The day started in the Boissonneuse vineyard, which was the first plot to be converted to organic and biodynamic farming. Here the head of one the vine teams, Arnaud, explained the differences between cultivating the vines traditionally, organically and biodynamically, and brought us up to speed on the work that has already been done in the vineyard since the harvest last year
The vines are currently a couple of weeks ahead or a normal year, and the first leaves have already appeared. This means that the work of de-budding can begin. Arnaud showed us how to remove the double buds and the unwanted shoots. De-budding is an important step in determining the quality of the harvest to come by concentrating the energy of the plant in the fruit-bearing branches.
Before heading back to the winery, we took a few minutes to find our adopted vines, giving us the opportunity to take a few photos with them, and to fuss over them a little!
Domaine Brocard makes an impressive range of Chablis wines, and we tasted several Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines before sitting down to lunch.
In the afternoon, we took some fresh air and went to visit a
different vine plot before visiting the vinification hall that
holds the large oak vats. Here, Pierre introduced us to the
vinification and ageing side of wine-making.
Many thanks to Pierre and Arnaud from Domaine Brocard, and to all
of our participants for a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Comments
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A great day. The hosts were very clear and patient with their explanation. The passion for their profession shone through. We learnt much about winemaking which has helped us to better appreciate this profession. The lunch and wine tasting were great, making for a very relaxed time.
If I had to rate the day, I'd give it 10/10!
Envoyé le Jeudi 22 May 2014 by Clement