🚜 SOIL WORK RESUMES
With the return of drier days, we can finally get back to working the soil. Depending on the parcel and the yield target, we till one out of every two or three rows, leaving the rest grassy. This helps us pass with the tractor even after rain, without compacting the soil or getting stuck in the mud.
The soil has remained too heavy and waterlogged until now due to spring rainfall. We also begin using the intercep, a specialised tool for weeding under the vine rows, without damaging the plants.
✂️ BUD THINNING: SELECTING FOR QUALITY
From mid-May, we begin bud thinning on our young vines and Merlots. This manual task involves removing shoots that have grown on old wood, keeping only those that sprout from last year’s carefully pruned canes — those that will bear fruit.
🛡️ 100% ORGANIC PROTECTION
We start our preventative treatments against downy mildew, powdery mildew, and black rot — using only copper and sulphur, in accordance with organic farming practices.
At this stage, the vines are forming inflorescences (clusters of future grapes) and growing feeder roots, which absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
🌱 CARING FOR THE YOUNGEST VINES
Our recently planted vines are weeded by hand to avoid damage from machinery. We’re also busy replanting missing vines — an operation delayed this year to avoid the risk of late frost.
These young plants are watered regularly until they show their first tendrils — a sign that root growth has started.
📏 TRAINING THE 2024 VINES
For vines planted this year, we perform a light bud thinning and start installing support stakes. The shoots are tied to a lower wire to help them grow upright. As soon as they’re strong enough, we’ll begin training the young canes.
🔗 LIFTING THE TRELLISING WIRES
Towards the end of May, we’ll raise the trellising wires in certain parcels, particularly for Syrah and Viognier, which have trailing growth habits. This keeps the canopy well-aerated and guides the growth of the shoots.
