Le Tasting Room

We began pruning yesterday at Chateau de Pimpean, a small estate in Grezillé about a 10 minute drive from us.  Nigel is in charge of the team - we were just 4 yesterday, me and Nigel, Stéphane and Marianne.  After a quick coffee and chat with Maryse Tugendhadt while we signed all the forms and discussed our objectives, we made our way down to the furthest parcel of vines behind the chateau.

Winter pruning is the best opportunity to control quality and yield for the coming season.  These Cabernet Franc vines have been badly pruned in the past so it will require a fair amount of work to get them back on track.

We tackled the first two rows together working slowly and discussing our rationale as we went along.  Last year's pruning has left the vines much too high and this year it is essential that we get them back to a proper working height with the fruit in the zone of the fruiting wire.  This means we have to be decisive and above all, not  be afraid to make some big cuts in order to get them back on track.

So, it takes longer than usual and we need to use big loppers to cut the wood before we can choose and trim the two canes and spurs.

By the end of the day, we've found a good rhythm and things are going well.  We have decided to work in pairs, one of us using the loppers and the other trimming the baguettes and rappels.  This saves time and means that we all have a united approach.

Seeing the untidy vines with wood everywhere trimmed to neat little plants with two canes and two spurs perfectly positioned on either side is incredibly satisfying.  And, because you have to use your brain ensuring you make the right decisions, time whizzes by.  Before you know it, the day is over.

If you're interested in learning more about pruning, why not come over and join us for couple of days.  We can integrate a visit to Chateau de Pimpéan as part of a Loire wine tour.  Nigel and I can show you how it's done.

Contact Cathy for further details.