An intriguing new plantation of vines!...

An experimental plot at all levels !
Perhaps one of the steepest vineyards in Languedoc !!

Many of you, who visit or cross our beautiful valley of Montoulieu, wonder what will happen on this steep terrain, perched at the foot of the old Castellas (11th century castle), used yesterday as a hang gliding and skiing school slope. paragliding, and today plowed.

It’s a new story, and even a new adventure that begins!….

These lands were purchased this summer 2019 by Domaine de Sauzet. The lower part, classified as AOC Languedoc TERRASSES DU LARZAC, was prepared to be planted with vines in spring 2020. The upper part will be prepared and planted as quickly as possible. As for the summit slope, it is so steep that we did not think we could enhance it, or perhaps with a few olive trees. Its average slope is in fact 40%, or 4 meters of difference in height for 10 meters of length.
However, we managed to clear it and work it in depth (cross shifting then passing the chisel), thanks to talent – and courage! - a machine operator, Mr Chagnolleau. It then turned out that the soil there is of excellent quality, despite its slope and its overhanging location.
We then decided to plant it with vines, despite the extreme conditions, and for this we are going to work « outside the norm » !

Plantation des vignes au Domaine de Sauzet, parcelle experimentale

Ripping at the chase. In the background, the Castellas

Plantation des vignes au Domaine de Sauzet, hérault (34), AOC Terrasses du Larzac

The ground seen from below and the chisel in action, the tractor in balance !

In the foreground, plowed, the AOC TERRASSES DU LARZAC plot.

Plantation des vignes au Domaine de Sauzet, hérault (34)

Overhead View of the Terrain

An experimental plot at every level!
Perhaps one of the steepest vineyards in Languedoc !!

The constraints to manage are as follows :

The steep slope prevents the passage of tractors: no plowing to remove weeds, no treatment of the vines other than manually.
Moreover, the entire estate operates under organic farming practices, consequently, without the use of chemical herbicides.
The slope can lead to rapid soil erosion during heavy autumn rains.
There's a high likelihood that water will run off and not nourish the vines, without the creation of reserves: a risk during periods of drought, especially given the south-facing exposure of this plot.

So, we have made the following choices :

1. Planting experimental grape varieties that are resistant to vine diseases

Derived from recent research on grape varieties naturally resistant to attacks of mildew and powdery mildew, these varieties require almost no treatments, whether organic or chemical. They are rapidly gaining ground in both research and experiments. We have chosen a white grape variety, « VOLTIS », developed by INRA.

2. A high-density planting

With no space constraints for tractor passage, we are adopting an « old-fashioned approach », planting every 1.25 meters, both in width and length, reminiscent of the days when horse-drawn plows were used. Our planting density is thus 35% higher than that of a traditional plantation. This root density will also help anchor the soil better and limit erosion. The planting will be done in goblets, meaning without trellising, wires, or posts. Only wooden stakes will support the plants, just like in the past!

3. A planting on vegetal fabric

At the time of planting, the soil will be partially covered with a mulch made from 100% biodegradable plant fibers (composed of jute and hemp).
The advantages are as follows :

Reduces the maintenance of the plantation by combating the growth of weeds (even though none are truly « bad weeds! ») under the vines.
Mitigates the phenomenon of evapotranspiration for better water resource management.
Protects the soil, once again, from erosion, allowing the vine roots to naturally secure it over time.
Enriches the soil as it degrades.

This allows the soil to remain without plowing, allowing its fauna and enriching microorganisms to develop naturally.

4. Irrigation through rainwater harvesting and gravity flow

We will capture runoff water from the slopes upstream of the plot. This stored water will enable gravity-fed irrigation, particularly during dry periods.
The program is ambitious, full of uncertainties, but exciting. It addresses a wide range of current concerns: getting rid of pesticides, better using rainwater, reducing mechanization in viticulture, combating soil erosion, leveraging the results of active research on new cultivation methods, preserving the natural life of the soil, etc. All of this takes place in the context of the widespread warming of our planet.

We hope to succeed, with this new vineyard set to be not only beautiful but also of high quality, aiming to soon produce a gem of a wine! Mega organic! More surprises to come; we will talk about them soon.

Suivez toutes les actualités

du Domaine de Sauzet sur les réseaux sociaux

Situé au coeur de cette vallée, au pied des Grottes des Demoiselles (site exceptionnel classé 3 étoiles) le Domaine de Sauzet est une des plus anciennes propriétés de la région, pionnière de la culture de la vigne et de la vinification en chais particulier.

Route de Montoulieu ● 34190 Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois ● tél. fixe 04 67 73 34 84
06 29 35 23 66

Newsletter