17 hectares of organic vineyard hidden amongst 500 hectares of 'garrigue' wilderness, a fabulous small winery attached to a an ancient bastide and a 7th century chapel converted into a maturation cellar, Domaine de la Begude is a real gem. All the more attractive for the generous hospitality we received and the exceptional quality of the wines they produce.
Entrance to the domaine
Maturation in smaller oak (225L/300L/600L)
Cellar
I have been searching high and low for an easier mode of organic weed control. Alas, everyone seems also to be using a similar version of the age-old silly-plough!
Biodiversity can be associated with the odd difficulty. Electric 'sanglier' (wild boar) fencing. Apparently they can eat 20% of the crop in a night as the vines ripen before picking.
Vines hidden in individual parcels within 500 hectares of 'garrigue' wilderness.
A major part of my viticultural philosophy revolves around how to encourage biodiversity in a vineyard mono-culture. One can only imagine the amount of free 'biodiversity services' de la Begude gains from it's position within this wonderful natural environment.
Very much a highlight of the trip so far and a domaine to admire.
No comments:
Post a Comment