An open-air observatory for the R&D department
An open-air observatory for the R&D department
In the vineyard
08 January 2019
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.
Vines alike the others? Not really... The Domaine Combe Pilate always had a certain aura of mystery. It is said that It was there, near the present-day village of Saint-Barthélémy-de-Vals, that Pontius Pilate killed himself after being exiled from Rome. What is certain is that M. CHAPOUTIER renovated an old farmhouse here and set up what could be called an observatory. 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. Biodynamics is part of our everyday life - it’s in our DNA.
THE LOGIC OF THE LIVING BEING
Barley and vetches are planted between the vines, alternately in between rows. This means that the soil is treated according to the logic of the living being:
• mildew and weeds are stifled, making it harder for them to develop,
• increase of biological activity in the soils,
• organic matter is added in the form of mowing residue, limiting erosion and run-off as well as improving soil drainage.
ANIMALS ROAMING FREE
On the Combe Pilate Domaine it’s 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.
