Vegetal Material Selection
The Essence of Terroir
At the heart of every exceptional wine lies a simple truth: "80% of the wine is made in the field." This belief guides us, knowing that the journey to crafting outstanding wine begins long before the first grape is harvested. It starts with the careful selection of vegetal material—choosing the right grape variety and rootstock to harmonize with the land. This meticulous process ensures that every vine is set up for success, producing fruit that truly reflects its terroir and potential.
Selecting Grape Varieties
With over 10,000 grape varieties cultivated worldwide, it’s remarkable that just 33 account for half of the world's vineyards. However, beyond these well-known selections, a vast diversity exists, offering a broad spectrum of flavors, textures, and expressions. The choice of grape variety is more than just tradition; it involves understanding how specific clones interact with climate, soil, and vineyard management practices.
Consider Pinot Noir, a grape renowned for its complexity. In Champagne alone, 18 clones are officially registered, yet more than 800 remain unregistered in France. This extraordinary range of diversity allows winemakers to fine-tune their vineyards, ensuring the perfect match between vine and environment. However, as climate conditions evolve, so too must our approach to selection. What worked in the 1970s may no longer be optimal, and re-assessing choices with a forward-looking perspective is essential for long-term vineyard resilience.
Rootstock: Often Under-Considered
Though often overlooked, rootstock is just as crucial as grape variety. Currently, 80% of grafted vines rely on only 20% of available rootstocks. However, winemakers are increasingly exploring alternatives to enhance biodiversity, terroir expression, and resilience. Matching rootstock to soil, climate, and yield goals is essential, and working closely with independent nurseries ensures vineyards remain dynamic and healthy.
Selecting the right vegetal material is fundamental to vineyard success.
We are here to help you navigate these choices, ensuring your vines flourish and produce wines of exceptional quality.
