Wine Growing

Respecting the environment and the rhythms of nature, while seeking to preserve the original qualities of the grape, is the priority of the Domaine de la Voie Blanche. For this reason, the soil is cultivated in a traditional way through cavaillonnage (manual soil work around the vines). Each autumn, green manure crops are sown, and in spring they are mulched back into the soil, providing the nutrients necessary for the harmonious development of the vines.

Organic viticulture was adopted without hesitation; no chemical inputs are used that could disturb the microorganisms that do such remarkable work in maintaining the health of our soils.

Alongside this commitment to respecting the planet, a great deal of manual vineyard work is carried out in the pursuit of excellence in fruit quality—and therefore in the wine itself. Green harvesting, which consists of removing certain grape clusters, helps avoid exhausting the vine by reducing its production and load. Removing secondary shoots and aerating the grape clusters concentrates sugars and aromatic compounds in the grapes while helping to prevent contamination by botrytis.

This green work is carried out during veraison, generally from late July to early August depending on the year. Manual harvesting then allows the most beautiful grape clusters to be selected directly in the vineyard, while damaged or contaminated berries are removed.

Beyond its quality benefits, this practice also preserves a festive tradition that is several millennia old. Quality and tradition lie at the very heart of the philosophy of the Domaine de la Voie Blanche.