Biodynamics celebrates its 100th anniversary

2024, a year of celebration for biodynamic viticulture as it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. On this occasion, we take a look at our convictions and biodynamics at Maison M. CHAPOUTIER. 

Biodynamics has its roots in 1920 with Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and scientist. His idea was simple: a plant never lives alone, it belongs to an ecosystem. It finds nutrition in the ground and if it grows with the energy provided by light. 

Biodynamics by conviction:

Maison M. CHAPOUTIER is a pioneer in biodynamics. Since 1991, biodynamics is at the heart M. CHAPOUTIER's philosophy. 

Biodynamics is an approach in which the work on the land is guided by ancestral farming wisdom. In biodynamics, the nature of things must not be altered. It is about observation, perception and being inspired to support the life of the plant. It strives to create a connection between the infinitely small, the microbial life of the earth, and the infinitely large, the influence of the planets.

The starting point: the desire to improve the Quality of our wines, so that they have the Taste of their Terroir. This could only be achieved through respect for the vineyard and the land. Hence a conversion, both technical, in the vineyards, and moral, to be in osmosis with his convictions.

Admitting that we do not always know. Biodynamics is an ongoing process of reflection and research based on observation. With nature a our guide, Humility is a necessity.

Alchemy, an open-air observatory : 

At the Domaine Combe Pilate, the vines are approached in a particular way. Cultivated according to biodynamic principles, the vines interact with everything that makes up their environment - earth, plants, sky, animals, vibrations. Alchemy - the quest for perfect harmony. 

This is where the firm' s R&D department carries out its experiments. Trying to understand the soil by observing it very closely, working in osmosis with the present forces - plant' s energy, the waves it deploys, its way of communication with other plants. Biodynamic is the observatory' s spine. Even though natural phyto-sanitary products are the only products authorised for use there, efforts are nevertheless made to reduce the quantity applied, particularly for copper, in order to maintain as much as possible the natural state of the soils. 

On the Combe Pilate Domaine it is not unusual to come across pensioned-off horses and sheep in their summer quarters. They are useful in cleaning up the vineyard and a pleasure for the eyes as well.

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