Question 1

What does AB Certification mean?

Accepted Answer

Being AB certified means that we cannot use chemical inputs in the vineyard. Thus, for the phytosanitary protection of the vineyard we only use elements of natural origin, namely copper, sulfur but also biocontrol products such as essential oils or plant extracts (orange peel, valerian, etc.), herbal teas or decoctions (horsetail, osier, tansy, etc.). In addition, to combat weeds we work the soil mechanically using tools such as inter-vine cultivators, lump-breaking discs, rotary harrows, etc. instead of herbicides.In the cellar, this means a limited list of oenological inputs and lower maximum thresholds, particularly for sulphur.

Question 2

What does Biodynamic Practices mean?

Accepted Answer

For us this means that we follow the rhythms of the lunar calendar in the vineyard and in the winery. Indeed, as the Moon influences the tides, it has been shown that the stars (Moon, Sun, Planets) act on the development and growth of plants, their maturation or their ability to reproduce. Several researchers have observed these influences and have created a calendar listing the favorable periods for different agricultural but also wine-making tasks. Thus, for us, pruning or weeding (mechanical) is done rather in the waning moon, there are also periods more favorable to planting or sowing. In the winery, we also select specific days to carry out stirring, racking or bottling to preserve the tension, minerality or fruit of the wines. In addition to cosmic rhythms, we apply the two major preparations of biodynamic agriculture, namely Horn Manure (500) and Silica (501). The first helps stimulate soil microbial activity, the formation of humus, regulate soil pH, stimulate germination and root growth. It also helps dissolve mineral formations and therefore promote their absorption by the plant. As for silica, on plants in full growth, it helps to strengthen the health of the plant. It can limit the effects of water stress in dry periods, compensate for the lack of light, increase resistance to mildew and harmonize maturity. In general, Biodynamics considers the Earth as a "whole", a living being. Today, this naturally aging organism is weakened by human activities (chemical, radioactive, electromagnetic, energy pollution, etc.), which makes it necessary to implement methods to invigorate and care for the soil, plants, animals and humans with the aim of creating a link between all, restoring the unity of ecosystems and stimulating exchanges.

Question 3

What is a botrytized wine?

Accepted Answer

With an exceptional microclimate, the appellations of Sauternes, Barsac, Cadillac and Loupiac are the traditional vineyards for the production of sweet wines from botrytized grapes in Bordeaux. Indeed, thanks to their proximity to the confluence of the Garonne and the Ciron, they benefit from a natural morning mist from September. This mist, reinforced by hot afternoons, promotes the development of Botrytis Cinerea , a fungus that is the origin of the aromas of these particular wines. Indeed, by developing on the skin of the grapes, the fungus creates micropores that cause the evaporation contained in the berries and therefore the concentration of sugars and aromas. There are several stages of development of botrytis characteristic of a more or less advanced drying of the grapes. By harvesting these grapes, then applying a very slow pressing (more than 7 hours of pressing) we harvest a golden juice extremely concentrated in sugar and aromas such as quince, apricot, exotic fruits or honey.

Question 4

What does a soil study consist of?

Accepted Answer

A soil study consists of determining all the main elements constituting the soil of a plot: organic matter, clay, sand, etc. It also makes it possible to list the presence of mineral elements necessary for the development of plants: limestone, magnesium, sodium, potassium, etc. Depending on these results, decisions can be made concerning the potential of the plot for a specific crop or the necessary inputs in order to achieve the desired objectives.At Domaine des Perchés we carry out agro-pedological studies. More global, they take into account the history of a plot over a century, the topography, the pedological and water profile, in order to determine the wine-growing potential of the soil. Thanks to these studies, we select each plot for a precise potential to which we attribute the grape variety most suited to this potential and to our qualitative objective.

Question 5

What is agroforestry?

Accepted Answer

Agroforestry is the act of introducing trees into a crop. We draw inspiration from this to recreate hedges on the direct periphery or between each plot. These techniques have several advantages:Strengthening diversity and complementarity: agricultural systems are dependent on biodiversity for production by limiting disturbances (diseases, invasive species, physiological stress).Increased soil fertility: A forest soil is naturally always covered (by leaves, humus) and is always fertile, never compacted. By reintroducing trees, we simulate the mechanisms of a forest soil.Buffer effect: trees help regulate climatic extremes, particularly by cooling the atmosphere during hot periods or by creating a natural barrier to the wind, for example.The ultimate goal is to create a diverse, self-sustaining ecosystem that supports wine production.

Question 6

What is a linocut ?

Accepted Answer

A linocut is an artistic printing technique in the relief printmaking family. The artist carves a design into a soft linoleum block: the carved areas don’t hold ink, while the raised surfaces are inked and pressed onto paper to create the print.At Domaine des Perchés, we collaborate with Camille Mansir. She creates linocuts that capture the story and life of the estate. These works are then adapted to become the labels for our signature wines, Perchés Blanc and Perchés Rouge.It all starts with a conversation about the current vintage and the inspirations of the moment. Camille then carves a linoleum block, inks it differently for each wine, and prints each piece by hand using a traditional pressing method, giving every label its unique, artisanal character.

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