We started the season with the late winter pruning, which ran from late March to late in the first half of April. In doing so, we were able to delay sprouting and prevent the first frosts of May from affecting production. We continued with a severe pruning.
This year, we have focussed on protecting the crop from wild boar and red deer. A hunting fence, dug 30cm into the ground, has been built along the perimeter of the area. Works were completed on August 8. This was a few days before the early harvest of the Chardonnay. One headache less.
The life cycle was the same as in 2016. The first shoots emerged on April 5. On April 25, the Pinot Noir was continuing to be stripped while the Chardonnay began to foliate. Inflorescence began to appear on May 12. The inflorescence of the Pinot Noir split on June 4. Flowering was complete on June 24, with a uniform setting of the grape.
The plant continued to grow slowly.
The dry climate and breeze from the south-east continued to ensure an absence of pests. The presence of ladybirds and all types of strange insects bore witness to practices that respected the soil and the plants.
Three applications of sulphur were sufficient to ensure a successful campaign of healthy leaves with good chlorophyllous activity.
The green pruning was carried out in a cursory manner.
In the sixth year of the plantation, the most-developed vines were already 4cm in diameter.
We had further reason to celebrate.
On June 4, the day before the hailstorm, we were able to harvest most of our organic cherries.
The unfolding of the nets in the shape of a bell proved effective against the hail, while at the same time allowing workers to work on the plants in comfort.
When ploughing, the netting was loosened and erected in the shape of a bell so that manual operations could continue.
Starlings and sparrows appeared in mid-August. What birds they are! Even though we immediately lowered the netting and hung it up from the inside as per the manufacturer’s instructions, they have learned how to get in through the holes in the netting and, once inside, feast on the grapes at the top of the vines.
Fortunately, we have been able to develop a way of sewing the nets together, from end to end, at the top and at the bottom, without leaving any spaces.
We are making progress on the configuration of the vineyard!.
