La lutte raisonnée

La lutte raisonnée means ‘the reasoned struggle’. Growers who practise this kind of viticulture claim to use chemicals less often (essentially only in emergencies) and less aggressively than conventional growers.

Conscientiuosly practised, lutte raisonée is very close to organic farming.

Organic

It is no coincidence that most of our wines are produced using organic methods. Wine is produced in two stages – the growing of the grapes (viticulture) and then the making of the wine (vinification).

Conventional viticulture relies heavily on the intensive use of chemical pesticides and artificial fertilisers. Organic viticulture however refrains from using chemical interventions and focuses instead on creating healthy, living soil which can support healthy vines which are naturally resistant to pests and diseases. Organic wines are therefore created in the vineyard.

Organic practices in vinification also restrict the amount of sulphur dioxide which may be added to wine. As sulphur dioxide is known as the major contributory cause of headaches and hangovers, this is good news!

Biodynamic

Some of the producers we support go a step beyond organic by using biodynamic methods. These recognise that the earth is decreasing in fertility as a result of the overuse of chemicals and a reluctance by conventional growers to nurture the soil as the foundation of all plant growth and life. Biodynamics seek to harness all the energy forces available to us - not just the sun but also the moon and planets - and to work in harmony with all these energy sources to restore the earth. Herbal sprays and tisanes are also used to boost the natural strength and harmony of the vines.

Certification

Although most of our wines are produced using organic or biodynamic principles, many of the growers we support have little interest in formal certification. They follow these methods because they passionately believe that they result in better wines that do not betray their terroir and have no doubt that the substantial certification fees are better spent in the vineyard.

If you require information on the production methods used for specific wines do contact us.