Viticulture

The tradition of respect

Innovation without revolution

The cultural practices in Bourgogne are renowned for their gentleness. Some would even call them intuitive.

Bourgogne’s winegrowers have always had a strong interest in the land and the plant before the cellar stage.

Whether they choose organic certification, bio- dynamic practices or reasoned agriculture, or a return to the methods of their elders previously consigned to family note- books, the winegrowers of Bourgogne aim to give back to the soil its original quality.

This closeness to the land, a hallmark of Bourgogne wines, is consistent with evolutions in modern viticulture, which tend towards methods affor- ding greater respect to soil and plant balance.

Clos:

llustrating “Climats” in Bourgogne

In Bourgogne, a “clos” corresponds to a “Climat” surrounded by walls.

In the Middle Ages, the “clos” belonged to prestigious owners or the monasteries. Nowadays, a “clos” may be shared between several owners.

Delimited by man, they embody the wine- growers’ expertise and the diversity of the Bourgogne vineyard. Globally renowned, « clos » have moulded the Bourgogne vineyard landscape.

Rich, complex Soil

The geological composition of Bourgogne soil re ects both its marine origins and its geological history.

Originating in the tropical sea, limestone is found in the sub-soil, often in the form of shell fossils.

The hills which stretch from Chablis to Mâcon- nais, while passing the Côte de Nuits, the Côte de Beaune and the Côte Chalonnaise, were crea- ted and shaped by the formation of the Alps and the glacial periods which follow.

Bourgogne’s subsoil is primarily composed of marl and limestone of Jurassic marine origin (145 to 200 million years old).

From the limestone, the roots draw the charac- teristic subtlety, wealth, and aromatic richness of Bourgogne wines.

A specific type of meteorology

Due to its unique geographical situation, Bourgogne is exposed to a semi-continental climate.

Varying with the seasons, the vineyards bene t from oceanic (in spring or fall), continental (in winter), and Southern (in summer) influences.

Planted on the East/ South-East slope of the hills, at altitudes of bet- ween 200 and 500 metres, Bourgogne’s vines bene t from the effects of the wind, natural water drainage and longer, milder sunshine during the winter months, which prevents them suffering from frost.

Sunshine and high temperatures in the summer provide for opti- mal grape maturation, concentrating flavour.

Here we respect the effects of the climate just as we respect the effects of the soil. Winegrowers consider that these are particularities which must be faced with- out denying them, on the contrary, they should be revealed.