The vineSince its creation, the estate has but one objective; obtain quality, typicity and authenticity by working with nature and not against it. With this in mind, we are always working towards the optimal environment for the grapes.For this reason, treatments to protect the vines are utilized only after much observation and only when needed; not systematically. Vine cycleFrom November to February : The dormant stageThis is the winter rest period when the sap no longer circulates through the vine.This period is reserved for pruning. That which is left on the the stalk will produce the next harvest. In Chablis, the recommended pruning method is called the Guyot method; where only one or two branches are left (single guyot or double guyot) on the stalk. From March to May : The clean-up stageWhen the soil warms up, the vine awakes and the sap begins to circulate. The buds of leaves and future grape bunches start to bloom.This period is for the training of the vines, that is to say we attach the main branches to the wires. At the beginning of may, we proceed with the trimming. This work consists of getting rid of all the growth at the foot of the stalk to prevent the vine from feeding growth that will not produce grapes. June : The flowering stageThis is the time when the flower releases the pollen. This will fertilize the pistil to form the berry of the grape.During this period efforts are directed to palissage (a wire fence support or trellis) to encourage photosynthesis. July : The transformation of the berry set stageThe clusters grow and the floral parts detach. We can distinguish now the future berries as they grow. Grain-like, the berries attain the size of peas very rapidly in their bunches.August : The color stageThe berries become translucent and their color is very subtle.Late september, early october : The maturity and harvest stageWhen we estimate that the grapes are mature (an extensive debate takes place), we can finally pick the fruit that comes from one year of labor !!! |
