Sustained work before the new growing season

After the harvest, between 7 and 10 October, preparation 500 P was pulverised across the whole vineyard, as we do every year. It is of course the pruning season, and despite wet conditions all the vines were pruned before the sap rose in order to shape the vines for the harvest to come. We finished at Vougeot with the monopole Clos Prieuré.

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It is also the time when we check the trellising and repair the stakes. The work at Chevalier-Montrachet is under way, pulling away the pruned shoots that we shred directly in the vineyard. This forms a plant substrate that is spread between the rows, contributing to the structure and fertility of the soil and fostering biodiversity, whilst also of course helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Then, after soil analysis, we systematically applied an amendment to the soils all though this winter in the form of locally composted organic fertilizer to enrich the earth. Although the vine thrives on very little, it does nevertheless require some sustenance! This natural composted manure, enriched with basalt (a volcanic rock that is a mineral fertilizer and also helps to aerate heavy soils), and potash for photosynthesis, is rich in organic matter that enhances humus, fixes nutrients, and stimulates microbial activity.

This small part of the Clos de la Chapelle is being uprooted

Its action is reinforced by the additional application of biodynamic preparations rich in oligo elements: preparation 502 (yarrow, regulates sulphur and potassium), 503 (chamomile matricaria for vigour), 504 (stinging nettle, for humus), 505 (oak bark, for protection against disease), 506 (dandelion, for potassium and nitrogen), and 507 (valerian, rich in phosphorous). Pulverisations of algae combat stress and promote healthy growth and development of the plant. A bio-stimulant containing magnesium and sulphur supports flowering and fruit set.

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Combined with silk and grape pulp powder, this organic nitrogen activates microbial and bacterial life in the soil, ideal for application in the spring.

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And finally, replanting holes have been dug in all parcels ready to replace vines that have died or been broken by the tractor. In addition, following our desire to maintain excellence in the vineyard, we will be uprooting part of the Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Morgeot Clos de la Chapelle – two rather tired plots of 50.6 ares (red, 1.25 acres) and 32.6 ares (white, 0.8 acres) on this parcel of 4.5 hectares (11.12 acres), that we will replace after the earth has rested for one or two years.