On the list of essential equipment for winemakers are a thick woolly hat, a good pair of gloves and some warm boots. And last weekend we need all of these for the Discovery Experience day at Château de la Bonnelière!
We started the day in the Clos de la Bonnelière vineyard, where the adopted vines are located. Once we had taken a few minutes for everyone to find their vines and takes a few photos, we followed Marc Plouzeau, the winemaker at the winery to the other side of the vineyard.
At this time of year, it's pruning season. It's a very important step in controlling the growth of the wines and in assuring the quality of the harvest to come. Marc showed us which branches to cut and which to keep. In theory it's fairly simple, but you quickly understand that each vine isn't necessarily identical, and that there are many exceptions to the rule!
Once we had had a go at pruning ourselves, Marc then explained the rest of the work that will be done in the vineyard between now and the harvest. We also visited the shed where he keeps all of the machinery and tools used in working the vines and the soil.
After a visit to the fermentation hall, we headed off to the winery's magnificent cellar, located directly underneath the Chinon Fortress.
The wine tasting had been well earnt! The Perle Sauvage naturally sparkling wine to start with, followed by the winery's Chenin Blanc.
In the middle of the cellar and surrounded by the oak barrels, we continued the tasting of the red wines over lunch, including the Clos de la Bonnelière and the Chapelle wines that have both recently won medals at the Millésime Bio organic wine fair.
In the afternoon, Marc took us on a tour of the cellar, explaining its history and how the stone was extracted from the galleries to build the fortress overhead.
Marc introduced us to the ageing side of wine making by showing us the oak casks and barrels, and also demonstrated the rotating machine used in making the sparkling wine.
Many thanks to all who participated in this jovial and interesting day.
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