Château Marguerite converts to organic farming methods

__________

What is an organically produced wine ?

It is a wine that complies with the farming system that respects life and natural cycles. Encourages preventive measures and physical procedures. Restricts external intrants.

It is a controlled and certified product, governed by European regulations since 1991. These regulations exclude using pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, and the use of GMOs. Product storage is also regulated and must be specific to avoid any mixing or contamination. Wines whose vines are grown according to these rules (not organic winemaking) are called “organic” or “made with organic grapes”. The labels have the AB logo on them.

What does Château Margeurite’s organic conversion involve ?

No more herbicides: managing weeds mechanically

Serge Mandrafina, Technical Manager at Château Marguerite, will undertake complete grass cover between the vines and under the rows too. This daring method may reduce yield but on the back of his extensive experience and expertise, our expert is confident. And philosophically, it will not increase fuel consumption for ground work.

No more synthetic chemical products = use of natural products

Copper and sulphur to treat the vines. These products are preventative, and must therefore be used before the rain. Bearing in mind how wet the start of the year was, this is a major challenge.

Overall approach to the vine system / soil / environment: sexual confusion to fight pests

This technique has proved its worth in Fronton’s vineyards. Capsules on the vine rows diffuse a hormone from the female Eudemis moth that prevents the male from finding her and therefore reproducing. They will reproduce, just not amongst the vines !

Organic Vinovalie wines
 

You can find Domaine de Pialentou and Raimbault AOP Gaillac wines in Vinovalie’s organic range.