At Château Beaulieu, nestled within the verdant landscapes of the Côtes de Bourg appellation in Bordeaux, our dedication to organic viticulture and meticulous vineyard management is evident throughout the year. Our team, led by the skilled hands of Remy and Sylvain, brings unparalleled expertise and a deep understanding of traditional viticultural practices to our vineyard. Their savoir-faire ensures that each vine receives the care and attention it needs to thrive.
One of the critical tasks in our vineyard is the process of trellising, which is meticulously carried out following the completion of wedging. This crucial step involves securing the slat (fruit wood preserved during pruning) onto the horizontal wire. The aim is to guide the vine's growth along a single axis, effectively controlling the plant's direction. This discipline is essential for maintaining order in the vineyard and ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight, which is vital for the grapes' development.
Another challenging yet vital operation in our vineyard management is suckering. This process involves the removal of unnecessary growth from the vine, allowing for better air circulation and sunlight penetration to the grape clusters. Using a specialized lashing-based suckering machine, our team carefully navigates close to the cordon. The machine efficiently whips around, removing the top shoots as needed, ensuring that only the most productive parts of the vine remain.
These operations, though labor-intensive, are fundamental to the health and productivity of our vineyard at Château Beaulieu. By adhering to these time-honored techniques, we ensure that our vines are perfectly positioned to produce the high-quality, organic grapes that are the foundation of our distinguished wines. Our commitment to sustainable practices and meticulous vineyard management reflects our dedication to excellence and the expression of our unique terroir in the Bordeaux region.