Agroecology : Committed Viticulture in Service of Nature
Wine, a gift of nature as precious as it is fragile, is increasingly faced with the consequences of climate change. Anxious to continue its centuries-old wine heritage, Château La Nerthe converted its vineyard to organic farming as early as 1998. But we did not stop there. By uniting viticulture and agroecology, we have consistently favored more sustainable farming practices to maintain a balance in the ecosystem. This strong and fundamental commitment is translated into concrete action through seven major levers.
Agroecology and Viticulture: A Matter of Balance
The definition of agroecology can be summarized as environmentally friendly production systems based on existing functionalities within the ecosystem. In this sense, agroecology requires a deep understanding of agronomy.
The French wine industry has been organizing for several years to promote an agroecological transition in the vineyards. The French Institute of Vine and Wine, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and INRA, has established seven main themes to be addressed providing a clear framework for estates that want to commit to more sustainable viticulture. Day by day, with passion and care, Château La Nerthe considers each of these in its vineyard.
Preserving the Quality of Unique Terroir Soils
The vineyards of Château La Nerthe extend over remarkable terroirs within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. As the foundation of life in the vineyard, their soils must be protected. To prevent compaction, we work them thoughtfully, favoring tools that are as light as possible and limiting the frequency of mechanical intervention, such as plowing or weeding, known as griffonnage. We also establish plant cover composed of varied species chosen according to the needs of each plot.
In addition, Marine Albert, our Vineyard Manager, promotes the regeneration of our wine-growing soils. Specifically, she combines fertilization and plant cover to improve soil structure, biological activity, and richness, among other benefits, thus optimizing the potential of our terroirs. Legumes are introduced into our plant cover: vetch, fava beans, peas, and clover. These plant families fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil thus enriching it.
Finally, we work to limit the risks of water erosion, (meaning soil displacement during runoff), partly thanks to these plants which slow runoff and its impact. Water penetrates the soil more effectively along their roots, while soil particles aggregate around these same roots.
Protecting and Promoting Biodiversity in the Heart of the Vineyards
The fauna and flora populating the vineyards are an integral part of a precious ecosystem that Château La Nerthe cares for. Preserving this biodiversity allows us to strengthen our terroir and our identity.
To contribute to the full flourishing of life, we use plant cover, cultivate grass in the vineyard rows, practice eco-grazing with sheep on our plots during winter, and plant forest hedges and fruit trees (fig, plum, hazelnut, etc.), prioritizing local varieties.
Within the plots, the landscape dimension of biodiversity is supported by the creation of ponds or integrating nesting boxes for blue tits, bats, and owls – a way to provide shelter for protected species in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Bees are also at the center of our attention, with several beehives. To support these precious pollinators and participate in the protection of the environment, we sow honey flowers, as in our exceptional Cassagnes vineyard in the Côtes du Rhône.
Increasing the Use of Biocontrol in the Plots
Château La Nerthe persistently adapts its farming practices based on observations and evolving techniques. Methods that reduce the use of insecticides guide our teams in the plots. Among them, sexual confusion or mating disruption is used to fight grapevine moths: pheromone diffusers placed on vine rows keep these pests away.
Biological control is another way we reduce the impact of certain pests. By introducing parasitoid insects onto our plots who thrive at the expense of grape enemies.
In addition to playing an essential role in protecting biodiversity, nesting boxes, hedges, and ponds scattered throughout our vineyard also have a regulatory effect as they are teeming with birds and small animals that feed on pests.
Ensuring Water Resource Preservation in the Vineyard
Year after year, the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape experience more intense and less frequent rains. Drought is thus at the forefront of tomorrow’s climate challenges, requiring resilient winemaking more than anything else.
This is why Château La Nerthe is committed to adapting its vineyard to these new water constraints through several actions: proper soil preparation before planting, choosing plant material that is more tolerant to drought, thoughtfully managing the canopy to utilize the benefits of its foliage effectively, and reasoned and precise irrigation through water stress measurement.
In addition, we collect as much rainwater as possible around our plots, having built drains and water retention basins to allow heavy rains to be channeled, thus limiting erosion. Water that does not immediately penetrate the soil is stored in ponds or ditches lining the vineyard before slowly seeping into the ground.
Selecting Plant Material Suited to Agroecological Challenges
Above all, we take into account the specificities of our terroirs’ soil and climate. Respect for pedoclimatic factors is critical to ensuring balanced viticulture and an accurate expression of the characteristics of our different appellations. You can discover these appelations during a visit to our vineyard.
The adaptation of plant material is also a lever to address tomorrow’s challenges. The plants in our new plantations come from a mass selection, with wide genetic diversity, for more resilience against diseases and pests.
Our tree and forest hedge plantations are made from plant material taken from the natural areas surrounding our plots, ensuring successful establishment and cohabitation with the vineyard. We collaborate with a producer of wild plant materials who gathers and reproduces the most interesting plants from the surrounding areas, and we reintroduce them into our vineyard plots.
Adjusting Wine-Growing Practices to the Effects of Climate Change
In the vineyard at Château La Nerthe we adapt each of our farming methods to new climate challenges. To reduce our carbon footprint, reasoned soil tillage allows us to limit the passage of tractors and the release of CO2 from the soil into the atmosphere.
As for our choice of plant material, we prefer rootstocks that are more suitable to resist climate change and future droughts. And our plantations are composed of the region’s traditional grape varieties, which are more resilient to extreme temperatures.
Caring for Air and Atmosphere Quality
Château La Nerthe is committed to not burning any of its waste or plant residue (such as vine clippings). We also contribute to natural carbon sequestration by developing carbon sinks. We further increase carbon storage in the soil (by adding organic amendments, ground cover, mulch, and returning vine clippings to the soil) and biomass (by planting hedges and isolated trees).
Furthermore, as part of our constant improvement efforts, we are currently studying the additional recommendations from the French Institute of Vine and Wine to protect air and atmospheric quality.
Through each of these numerous actions, viticulture and agroecology merge at the heart of Château La Nerthe’s philosophy. This sensitivity to nature contributes to a better balance of ecosystems and makes all the difference in bringing high-quality grapes to life, so we may continue crafting exceptional wines, faithful to five centuries of excellence.