TERROIR AND CULTIVATION
BIODIVERSITY
Very lean, alkaline and calcareous soil on light shale. Thanks to the south-east orientation, the morning sun dries the dew and minimises the development of mildew. The height of the vineyard and the position away from the afternoon sun create a cooler microclimate, which is beneficial for the development of the aromas in the grapes.
As there is still very little experience with this variety in our climate, we learn more about its behaviour on our terroir every season. Every year we test new cutting systems or different times and intensities during the foliage work in order to achieve the optimal growth, degree of maturity and desired yield.
The entire vineyard has been planted with many wild plants since the beginning, despite the poor soil, and has been planted with home-grown peach trees since 2016.
In cooperation with the Swiss Ornithological Institute Sempach (Schweizerische Vogelwarte Sempach), 26 different native bushes were planted in the larger spaces and hillsides in march 2019, providing even more new habitat for insects and birds.
This work has shown that our soil is already extremely healthy for Valais vineyards and is inhabited by many earthworms and other soil organisms.
On the one hand, this is due to the natural vegetation and, on the other hand, because we do not have to go through the terraces several times a year to spray and thus do not compact the soil with the weight of the heavy machines.
In march 2019 there were already seen many singing emberizas, first blackcaps and common redstarts, bumblebees looking for a suitable breeding hole and of course butterflies.
From around mid-April 2019, a 5m2 stone wall will also be built with the existing slates, providing valuable habitat for ermine, lizards, wild bees and butterflies.
In addition, a nesting aid for the hoopoe will be integrated in order to promote the native population.
All this enhances biodiversity and thus also promotes the development of the vines.
First pictures see "news/promotions"