Wine Sustainable Approaches In Bordeaux.
In Bordeaux, there is a range of techniques to promote sustainability. These efforts must at the very least protect, if not repair, the environment, as well as have a good impact on society as a result of their existence.
Following the lead of the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB, Bordeaux Wine Council), the area started its sustainability initiatives more than two decades ago.
Approximately 35 percent of Bordeaux’s vineyard land was certified environmentally friendly by 2014, and by 2016 that figure had climbed to 55 percent. Currently, 65 percent of Bordeaux vineyards are certified as environmentally friendly or environmentally friendly and sustainable.
All of these challenges, such as climate change, public pressure to minimize pesticide usage, and water conservation, have prompted sustainability programs.
In addition to worker safety activities, these initiatives include maintaining or restoring biodiversity as well as reducing the use of toxic chemicals, conserving water, recycling, and reducing the carbon footprint.
Depending on the certification, sustainability certificates may or may not appear on wine bottle labels. There are four types of product labels that you could find on a wine bottle, according to the CIVB. These include:
The term “biodynamic” refers to the use of natural processes in place of synthetic processes.
Demeter or Biodyvin are two organizations that certify biodynamic viticulture methods.
Biodynamic certification is used in conjunction with this regenerative farming practice, which also includes the use of Biodynamic preparations to increase soil fertility, as well as the use of the Biodynamic calendar to guide vineyard work.
The Biodynamic calendar takes into account the constellations, planets, moons, and eclipses, among other things.
Biodynamic certification is considered to be one of the most stringent standards of certification available in agriculture today. In December 2019, according to the CIVB, 61 properties in Bordeaux were certified Biodynamic.
The Second Type of Agriculture Is Organic Farming The certification as “Biologique organic” indicates that no synthetic chemicals were employed and that only natural therapies were permitted in precisely restricted levels. Obtaining organic certification is a lengthy process that takes a minimum of three years to accomplish, with around 13 percent of Bordeaux vineyards having achieved this status.
- High Environmental Quality (HVE).
Known as Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE), this term refers to four key areas of biodiversity conservation, plant protection strategy, fertilizer use management, and water use management. These four areas are biodiversity conservation, plant protection strategy, fertilizer use management, and water management.
At one of three levels, the farm as a whole has been certified. The Haute Valeur Environnementale badge may appear on the wine bottle label if the wine has been certified at the highest level. In fact, the CIVB reports that Bordeaux has the largest number of certified vineyards in France, with more than 1,500 properties accredited at the highest level.
Wineries may get Terra Vitus accreditation, which stands for “Vineyard Quality.” Château de Bordeaux has been approved on 7,800 hectares (19,274 acres).
It is necessary to pursue sustainable development in the environmental, economic, and social spheres, as well as to assume responsibility for the means and to maintain continuous progress. There are six fundamental concepts to consider.
The city of Bordeaux has three corporate certificates to go along with its product labels.
Sustainable agriculture projects for cooperatives are being promoted by Agri Confiance.
AREA (Agriculture Respectueuse de l’Environnement en Aquitaine) — a regional sustainability certification based on ISO 14001 – describes special criteria for obtaining an environmental management certification in the Aquitaine area.
In addition, six new grape varieties have been certified for use in Bordeaux winemaking as a result of climate change adaptations. In addition to Touriga Nacional, there are four red varieties to choose from as well as four white types to choose from Alvarinho, Liliorila, Marselan, Castets, and Arinarnoa.
An interesting conversation I recently heard about sustainability projects in Bordeaux took place on a personal level, which I found quite interesting. Representatives from three different châteaux provided an explanation of the particular strategies that they use to attract visitors.
Despite the fact that each winery’s approach is unique to its circumstances, they share a dedication to their land, their vines, and to the production of high-quality wines. To accompany the conversation, three wines were served as sampling samples, which we could enjoy while listening.
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Château Jean Faure is a winery located in the heart of the Loire Valley.
The present owners, Anne and Olivier Decelle, made the choice to reside on the land, which encouraged the shift away from traditional agricultural techniques.
They discontinued the use of pesticides and received organic certification in 2017 as well as biodynamic certification the following year in 2020.
Six hundred years have passed since this ancient property was first acquired by the Ducelles, who is only the sixth family to possess it. At least 400 years have passed since vines were grown on the land.
Château Jean Faure’s general manager, Marie-Laure Latorre, said that one of the estate’s objectives is to preserve and improve the landscape in order to pass it on to the next generation in a better state of preservation and enhancement.
The estate’s plant, fauna, and beneficial insect variety have all risen, as has its overall biodiversity.
She emphasized the significance of soil biodiversity as well, despite the fact that it is not visible, and believes that the health of the vines is a reflection of the increasing variety in the soil.
Her belief is that the consequence is healthier plants, which yield grapes with superior taste and smoother tannins.
As a side note, the Conseil des Vins de St-Emilion has determined that by 2023, any wine wishing to wear the St-Emilion AOC name on the bottle must first get a sustainability certification from a recognized organization.
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2018 Château Jean Faure Grand Cru Classé, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux is a medium crimson in color with scents of red fruit, earth, dried tobacco leaf, and cedarwood.
Cherries and raspberries, as well as blackberries and dried herbs, are among the red fruit notes that are complemented by vibrant acidity. With notes of red fruit and cedar, fine drying tannins linger on the mouth.
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 13.5 percent The suggested retail price is $34.99.
The mix of red fruit aromas and lively acidity in this wine creates a sense of energy and tension that makes it both light and substantial at the same time, while also keeping it light and substantial. A 60 percent Cabernet Franc, 35 percent Merlot, and 5 percent Malbec combination is used to create this blend.
Vineyards and wineries in the Guiraud region of France.
When it comes to sustainability, Luc Planty, the estate manager of Château Guiraud, is uniquely suited. He has a background as an environmental engineer.
With the introduction of biodiversity techniques in 1996, Ch. Guiraud was the first Grand Cru Classé to get organic certification in 2011, making it the first Grand Cru Classé to achieve this status. Permaculture and biodynamics are increasingly being used in vineyards.
Because of this, the health and variety of the soil have significantly increased. Seasonal employees are also included in sustainability initiatives to ensure their safety, health, and suitable living circumstances, among other objectives.
Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc Sec, Bordeaux, Château Guiraud “G” 2019
In the glass, the 2019 Château Guiraud G Bordeaux Blanc-Sec has a light golden color with rich scents of guava, passion fruit, and cut grass. A salty finish and ample acidity complement the layers of taste that include guava, oat hay, and lime zest.
When you drink the wine, it has a wonderful weight to it and a complex flavor profile. alcohol by volume (abv). $18.95 SRP
Despite the fact that I am familiar with and like Ch. Guiraud’s Sauternes, which we discovered at our local wine store many years ago, I am not familiar with or appreciate their dry white wines. The fact that this exquisite mix of equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon is so good is not a surprise to me. It demonstrates a high level of intricacy and depth.
A very nice bottle of vino!
According to Luc, the wines of Château Guiraud have always been exquisite, but since being organically certified, they have become even more expressive of the terroir of Sauternes, as well as displaying its “soul,” as he described them.
“Chateau Brown” is a French word that means “beautiful castle.”
An alternative approach to sustainability has been taken by Jean-Christophe Mau, technical director, and co-owner, who has earned HVE accreditation for his efforts. In order to promote biodiversity, hedgerows and cover crops are planted, as well as an orchard with a variety of fruit trees, on the property.
A flower farm is also supported by the farm, in addition to the beekeeping. Natural fertilizer is employed in the vineyard, which occupies just 60% of the total land area and is mostly used for vine production.
Jean-Christophe feels that when vineyards are not planted in a monoculture, they are healthier, and as a result, less intervention in the vineyard is necessary.
Another goal is to lower the winery’s carbon impact during manufacturing and packing – lighter-weight wine bottles are less expensive to transport, and locally-made cardboard shipping boxes (also lighter) have taken the role of wooden boxes and are now completely recyclable.
A great deal of information on Chateau Brown’s sustainability activities can be found on their website, which is quite user-friendly.
A medium crimson wine from Bordeaux, the 2015 Chateau Brown Pessac-Léognan has scents of cherries, blackberries, leather, and soil that are abundant.
Cedar, earth, and leather aromas are backed by blackberry and plum tastes in a medium+-bodied wine with a medium to full body. A gauzy, yet delicate, appearance to the tannins alcohol by volume (abv). 30 dollars suggested retail price
It’s exactly what I’m looking for in a bottle of left-bank Bordeaux: well-balanced, with enough of flavor and acidity. With a combination that includes 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine is quite reasonably priced.
The vintage of 2015 was exceptional, according to Jean-Christophe, and it was one of the greatest vintages since 2005.
Even while he cannot be positive that his biodiversity efforts on the estate are reflected in the quality of his wine, he is certain that such efforts, together with his efforts to lower the firm’s carbon footprint, contribute to the improvement of the company.
Our thanks go out to the CIVB for facilitating this look at the many approaches to sustainability that are being pursued in Bordeaux, as well as to Gregory + Vine for coordinating our tasting event.
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