Burgundy. In spring, work in the vineyard picks up. The soil in particular gets a lot of attention: débuttage, bouéchage, griffage and the somewhat easier to pronounce lawn mowing are activities performed by the vintner during this period. - TEXT MARJOLEIN SCHUMAN | IMAGE BIVB
Grape plants
The planting of new grapevines is also done now, from mid-April to May. Any old plants are uprooted, the soil is loosened, holes are dug at the right distance from each other and the roots of the young plant are ploughed in. The hole should be wide enough for the farmer to spread the roots well. By the way, a grape variety usually does not grow on its own roots, but is grafted on a rootstock. Rootstock varieties are stronger and resistant to phylloxera. Simply put, you cut the shoots of both varieties diagonally or zigzag and tie them together to form a new branch. The rootstock will later pass on food to the plant attached to it.
Unlike most cuttings, watering after planting is not the intention. The vine has to do its own best to seek moisture and nutrition, that's what gives it strong roots. Well-drained soil with lime, clay and sand is ideal. Eventually, the root system can grow many metres deep, resulting in powerful, flavourful grapes at the top. Incredibly, this mini stick, beautifully photographed by Aurélien Ibanez, is the basis of beautiful Burgundy wines!
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