The arrival of winter brings with it important tasks at our historic estate. Within the parameters of the sustainable viticulture practices we carry out (organic, biodynamic and regenerative), there are several works in which we have made some adjustments to minimize the effects of the drought.

Among them, pruning, the application of compost or the maintenance of green cover are some of the tasks that have required the most attention.

It is time to listen to the vineyards, the vines. To feel them closely in order to make decisions that can mark their future, especially after a period of more than three years of drought.

It’s time to prune our vines

 

So, following the lunar calendar, our vineyard team began pruning the old vines around us on January 9, during the waning lunar phase.

It is at this time, when the sap of the plants is in the roots, that we can make cleaner cuts to the vines. A meticulous work that, this year, has deserved even more attention due to the lack of water. It is important to note that, from October 1 (the beginning of the viticultural cycle) until now, only 47 L/m2 have been rained, although the average is above 200 L/m2.

The fragility of many of the vines has led us to make a shorter pruning than usual, leaving only one free bud, plus a blind bud as a general rule.

These measures have been taken with the aim of directing all the energy of the plants to a single point, thinking above all of allowing their survival.

Thus, each vine deserves detailed attention, a careful preliminary study. A cut out of place can have fatal effects.

You can learn more about pruning in this other blog post.

Aplicando compost a nuestros suelos

While our expert hands are pruning our vines, part of the team is in charge of applying compost to the different plots of the farm.

Previously, we have added biodynamic preparations to this compost to achieve an organic substance that helps to regenerate the damaged soils, providing structure and fertility.

 

In the upper part of Vinya del Noguer, where the rock is very shallow and the old vines suffer a lot, we have placed 5 centimeters of straw with manure compost from our horses on the backs of the vines. The purpose of this measure is to provide a strong supply of nutrients to the plant. In addition, in case of rain, the straw helps to retain moisture better.

Other actions to help our vines

In addition to short pruning and the application of compost, other measures that we are carrying out on the farm to minimize the effects of drought are:

The maintenance of green covers (sown or spontaneous) in autumn and winter to achieve a good soil structure and have more water retention capacity. When spring begins, we will remove the covers that can harm the development of the vineyard due to competition for water in order to ensure good vine development. We will always leave some cover to maintain biodiversity and prevent erosion.

After these three years of drought, we have learned that the native xarel-lo variety is the one that is best resisting the lack of water. Its ability to adapt has led us to plant this variety in La Plana 4. For this, the rootstock used is the Richter 110 rootstock, which is more resistant to drought.

The sowing of fields in vineyard rest to regenerate the soils and improve the structure. Mixing oats with vetches. In case of rain and good development, it will be pasture for our animals. In case of no rain, it is structure for the soil.

While we wait for the rains to arrive, we hope that these measures will help us to better face the drought and extend the life of our vines.