Last weekend, we were at Château Beau Rivage in Bordeaux for a couple of discovery days with some of the Gourmet Odyssey Wine Experience clients.
The main aim of the Discovery Day is to learn about the
winemaking profession, and more specifically, about the work in
the vineyard. We therefore started the day amongst the
vines!
We were accompanied by Florian and Mike, who explained the tasks
that have already been completed such as pruning, and the work to
repair the posts and training wires.
At the far end of the vineyard, we stopped in front of the plot where the adopted vines are located, so that the introductions could be made and the photos taken!
For the next few weeks, the principal work in the vineyard will be debudding. This involves removing the shoots that have begun sprouting too low down on the vines. There are two main reasons for doing so, the first so that the vine can concentrate its energy on the fruit bearing branches, the second to help lower the risk of rot. As soon as we had received our instructions, we split up amongst the row, rolled up our sleeves and got stuck in with some de-budding!
The vineyard at Château Beau Rivage was organically certified in
2011. Florian and Mike explained what being organic entails, and
how it differs from conventional farming.
Back at the Château, we had earnt our wine tasting session, and
with the rising temperature, the chilled clairet was most
welcome! We continued to taste the red wines from the estate over
lunch, which we enjoyed outside.
In the afternoon, we headed back into the vineyard to learn about
the work that remains between now and the harvest, taking note
that there is still much to be done!
The day ended in the fermentation hall and barrel room, where we
will be spending more time during the Harvest and Vinification
Experience Days.
Read more blog posts regarding Château Beau Rivage.
Comments
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Thanks again for a great day and the welcome. We had an excellent time!
Good wine to you
Luc
Envoyé le Jeudi 31 May 2012 by Luc and Leyla