The ines
The vineyards consist of 43% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet-Franc, 6% Ciliegiolo, 5% Sangiovese, 4% Shiraz, and a small amount of Chardonnay. The terrain – in a slight south-facing slope – is very low, sandy and silty, with a maximum of 18% clay. Developed in Cordon Royat, an average of 6,600 vines is planted per hectare.
In the vegetative period there is usually about 100mm of rain. The annual average of rain is 600 to 700 mm. In 9 out of 10 years the ripening season takes place under unclouded sun.
We keep diseases in the vineyard under control with a minimum of spraying, which is possible due to the local climate. Insects are contained by many natural enemies making insecticides redundant. Without officially being “organic”, we do not use herbicides and cultivate our vineyards with the utmost respect for nature. We practice partial defoliation. In order to improve quality, the grapes are pruned in a “green harvest”.It is our goal to maintain the stability and health of the soil by cultivating microorganisms. Biodiversity should play a significant role in this.