Domaine Leflaive - Puligny Montrachet


Biodynamics


Biodynamics is a cultivation method based on the marked intelligence of naturel phenomena Origins Principles Goal



Biodynamics is a method of cultivation based on the sensitive intelligence of natural phenomena. It is not a method of control and it does not make it possible to eradicate a disease or a parasite. On the contrary, it favours the life of an important number of species, and makes it possible to keep the vine's enemies at a tolerable level. Parasites become marginal. François Bouchet, Domaine Leflaive's counsellor in biodynamic agriculture since 1989, explains it as follows : "Biodynamics develops all living species thanks to specific preparations, made from yarrow, camomile, nettles, dandelion, valerian, compost and silica, which are veritable energy catalysts. It's through the plant that the whole organism is invigorated, as much by deep rooting as by the leaves that capture solar energy. The resulting wine represents the balance between the terroir and the atmospheric environment." The results of biodynamics on the health of the vines are incontestable. The preparations used in biodynamics allow the vine to strengthen its immunity by respecting the natural balance of fauna and flora. The wines gain balance, structure and depth. General | Principles | Viticultural practice Its origins Proposed in 1924 to respond to the concerns of farmers who had already seen their lands threatened, biodynamics is a cultivation method that involves much more than simply prohibiting the use of synthetic chemicals. Its principles In fact, this method, whose principles were defined in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner, can be succinctly summarised by the three following points: • The upgrading of the soil and plant life in its natural environment through the use of products made from vegetable, animal and mineral matter. • The application of these products at specific times during annual cycles; this is the dynamic part. It recognises that the land, in the general sense of the word (parent rock, cropland, outdoor environment) is an organism in its own right. In this way it acts like a doctor who, in order to look after his patients, chooses specific treatments through the implementation of life-forces. • Working the land by tilling and scraping. Its goal Biodynamic agriculture consists mainly of taking care of the soil. It involves making sure that it is properly balanced, creating harmonious life conditions between land, plants and the environment. This care favours: • The improvement of soil quality through the presence of a large variety of bacteria, • Better root development of plant life, with thicker, longer roots, • Better development of the leaves and flowers by providing the energy required for harmonious development of the fruit. Viticultural practice Viticulture, like any other agricultural field, is considered as a living organism. Cultivated soil is not a simple support for vines, but rather a living environment, a source of energy for plant life just like its outdoor environment. In this way the vine - a median organism - creates and nourishes its soil in this inhabited and living environment that surrounds the root. The exchanges that take place between soil biology and its root and foliage systems enable the soil characteristics to be transferred to the grapes, increasing the quality of their flavours. Grape growing This must be very well developed to compensate for the risk of imbalance arising from this type of one-crop farming. The products These mixtures are essential and come from transformed vegetable, animal and mineral matter: • The MT manure compost mixture supports and reinforces the soil decomposition process. It contains all the elements that help form the clay-humus complex. A considerable variety and number of bacteria are found here. • The 500 mixture, horn manure, acts on the plants. It reinforces subterranean life. Numerous tests have proved its effectiveness; roots are much longer, thicker and better distributed. • The 501 mixture, horn silica, helps leaves to grow, balances flowers and helps provide the energy necessary for good, healthy fruit development. These first three products must go through the dynamisation process before being spread. • The other preparations, made from Achillea, Camomile, Nettle, Oak bark, Dandelion and Valerian, have all undergone transformations - fermentation in the presence of animal organs for some - boosting all their primary properties by transforming them into humus with specific qualities. These mixtures are essential, as they will be used for seeding composts in order to adjust the fermentation required for correctly balancing and harmonising soil and plant life. Terrestrial and lunar cycles We are familiar with the solar cycles, consisting of days, nights and seasons, and with the lunar cycles. For 10 years, the experiments conducted by Maria Thun have allowed us to see how plant growth is affected by cosmic influences. These seem to be linked to the position of the moon, sun and planets in relation to the constellations. A calendar linked to these observations has been developed. Vine treatments and other work can be boosted by choosing specific dates to carry out these activities. But for thousands of years all good farmers have acknowledged solar and lunar cycles! Hoeing Hoeing favours installing the life process by tilling the soil at different periods of the year, month and day. Thus hoeing during the lunar spring will have an effect different from that of the lunar autumn. Hoeing in the morning will vitalise plants, while afternoon hoeing will keep the water in the soil... The grape grower is the one who decides when to hoe and plough, depending on his soil. Other treatments If the soil is properly balanced, the plant will protect itself against, or rather not attract, parasites (cryptogams, insects and mites). However, the farmer may have to intervene to help keep plants healthy using herbal teas, decoctions and homeopathic plant dilutions - and, if necessary, natural products such as Bordeaux mixture and sulphur flowers. SUMMARY The goal of the biodynamic grape grower is to produce high-quality wine with its own particular characteristics stemming from the unique elements that make up the soil of each estate, through specific processes for cultivating the vine. The wine will be the expression of this cultivation because in this way the qualities and particularities of the soil will be respected. From a brochure of the Syndicat International Des Vignerons En Culture Bio Dynamique Syndicat International Des Vignerons En Culture Bio Dynamique Siège social : 18, Avenue du Docteur Paul Durand 26600 TAIN L'HERMITAGE Tél : 04.75.08.92.66 Fax : 04.75.08.81.70




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