We spent a sunny weekend among the Chablis vines at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard. It did the world of good to have the feeling that summer had finally arrived! We were there for two Discovery Experience Days, which are designed to find out more about the profession of being a winemaker, and principally, the devotion and work carried out in the vineyard to obtain the best possible grapes come harvest time.
Following the introductions to the winery and the Chablis region, we headed straight out to the Boissonneuse vineyard, which was the winery's first plot to be converted to organic and biodynamic culture. Each client had adopted some vines, and it is here that they are to be found.
We took a few moments to take some pictures and so that each person could acquaint themselves with their vines!
Arnauld, who is a member of the vine team, accompanied us to explain the detailed work that is carried out in the vineyard throughout the year.
The vines are currently two to three weeks behind a normal year. We are still therefore at the stage of de-budding. Arnauld showed us how to reduce the number of branches on each vine to encourage better quality grapes for the coming harvest. It was then down to us to roll up our sleeves and start de-budding!
De-budding is almost as complex as pruning, because you always have to keep in mind how to rejuvenate the plant and to think of which branches will be best for the following year. But the best way to learn, or at least appreciate the complexity of the task, is to get stuck in!
Arnauld also showed us how to raise the training wires to better
support the weight of the vine foliage and grapes to come, and to
better space the growth.
A large proportion of the winery's vines are treated
biodynamically. This approach to working means that the
winemaker has to be very attentive to the health of the vines,
and to treat them in harmony with the surrounding terroir and
environment. Arnauld explained the different preparations
that are administered using cow dung, and plants such as stinging
nettles. They are used as preventative treatments for the
vines against diseases, and to give them more strength.
back at the winery, we tasted the range of biodynamic wines. To start, the Petit Chablis "Les Plantes", followed by the wine chosen by Gourmet Odyssey, the Chablis "Boissonneuse". We then moved on to the Chablis Premier Cru "Vaulorent" and the Chablis Grand Cru "Les Preuses" before sitting down to lunch with a few other Chablis and Irancy wines.
The afternoon started in the cellar where Pierre presented us the exposed cut of earth that shows the uniqueness of the Kimmeridgian stone that Chablis wines gain much of their characteristics from.
We then headed to the cuverie. Here, we saw the different types of vats that used to vinify and age the wines. Pierre introduced us to some of the choices the winemaker must take to age the wines, something that we will go into much more detail during the Vinification Experience Days.
Very many thanks to all our clients who participated in the days. We hope that you left appreciating a little more about the fascinating and passionate profession of winemaking!
Comments
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Everything was united. General culture, chemistry, relaxation and a very friendly time spent around wine. Thanks to all the team. You love your job and it shows. Looking forward to seeing you again for the next weekend!
Envoyé le Mardi 20 August 2013 by Laure