VINEYARDS & PRODUCTION
14 hectares of vines, divided in 25 small plots …..
Terre des Dames has the same structure as 200 years ago: small plots on different levels, surrounded by stone walls and wild scrubland.No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers are applied here. For most of the year, natural cover crops stimulates biodiversity and energize the soil.
The blessing of our valley lies in its particular microclimate: several underground springs and streams bring freshness to the terroir. The high chalky cliffs that border the vineyards maintain sufficient humidity and lead rainwater directly beneath our land. We maintain large surfaces of trees and scrubland between the plots to promote biodiversity and optimize humidity.
We take a particular care of our old vineyards: with their deep root system, they are more resistant to global warming. Our oldest vine is 100 years old, others are between 50 and 70 years. For new plantations, we stay true to local grape varieties, which are best suited to our climate. We did not install irrigation to encourage the vines to reach the minerals in deeper layers of the terroir. Yields are around 25 hl/hectare. The vineyard have been certified organic since 2009(Ecocert).



THE HARVEST
Since several years, we harvest only in the early morning to maintain the freshness of our grapes.
All our grapes are harvested by hand and transported in small crates to preserve their integrity. –We are fortunate to have all plots directly surrounding our buildings, thus ensuring a very short transportation to the cellar with minimal stress for the harvest.
Each box is slowly emptied onto a sorting table, where we take the necessary time to scan grape by grape. It is only by close observation, sometimes even tasting, that we know which grapes deserve to enter the cellar.
Only by starting with a pure product is a gentle and natural vinification possible.
VINIFICATION
Winemaking should be a gentle and natural process so as not to distort the grapes. We do not sulphite the harvest, but use natural yeasts to protect the grapes, then let it start its fermentation.

