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The estate is comprised of 27 ha of vines spread around the chateau.
In the west of the estate the “rougets” (clayey soil with strong iron oxide content, giving it the rusty colour) prevail.
In the east we find “boulbènes”, average depth on the croups of small undulations.
Density of plantation: 4.000 feet/hectare.
Inter distance: 2,50 m. |
The estate is comprised of 35 ha of vines divided in two distinct lots:
- - the flat area, of about fifteen hectares with clayey soil, producing fine and complex wines,
- - the hilly croup with about twenty-five hectares, where you can both find “rougets” (clayey earth with strong content of iron oxide) and deep pebbles which contribute to the vine’s power and concentration.
Density of plantation: 4.500 feet/hectare. Inter distance: 2,50 m. |
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This way we have a big variety of soil profiles which permits us with the same grape variety
to be able to produce a very interesting aromatic diversity of our different “cuvees”.
These types of local soil, well adapted to the vine culture, offer an excellent natural drainage, avoiding the hydric stress and promote deep rooting, similar to the vines of great quality.
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| Négrette |
11,57
ha |
| Syrah |
5,21 ha |
| Cabernet franc |
2,01 ha |
| Cabernet sauvignon |
4,17 ha |
| Gamay |
1,45 ha |
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| Négrette |
20,93
ha |
| Syrah |
7,87
ha |
| Cabernet franc |
5,17 ha |
| Cabernet sauvignon |
4,76 ha |
| Gamay |
0,75
ha |
| Cot |
0,32
ha |
Furthermore in 2002 we planted white grape varieties in order to produce « Vin de Pays » Comté Tolosan :
| Chardonnay |
0,25
ha |
| Muscasdelle |
0,25
ha |
| Gros
Manseing |
0,25
ha |
| Chenin |
0,25
ha |
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We use only organic matter of plant origin composted fertilizers so that “oligoelements” stimulate our plants natural defences.
We practice a weed control technique seeding throughout the rows in order that competition between the vines and these plants allows for reduced yields. This limits erosion and promotes organic life in the soil. However, we do cultivate the soil around young vines during the first years after planting.
Pruning by “double courson opposés”, “la tirette” allows for a more even distribution and aeration of the grapes. This as well controls the yields.
The yield is completed by “épamprage” at the root called also “éclaircissage” – done by hand - that suppresses from spring on certain shoots that are unwanted.
“L’éffeuillage” consists of the removing of leafs to the level of the grapes during the flowering stage. This allows for natural ventilation of the grapes avoiding excess humidity, limiting the development of disease. This is carried out systematically with the négrette, the syrah and the cabernets grapes.
We do not use chemical antibotrytis only a sulphur powder during the flowering stage.
In July we systematically “lighten” (green vendange) the parcelles destined for the elaboration of “cuvees” Mons Aureolus and Caprice d’Adrien in order to favour their maturity and concentration.
A selection of grapes off the stand is usually carried out before the “vendange” of our Caprice d’Adrien. |
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