During VITeff, the Association des Champagnes Biologiques (ACB) hosted a round table discussion on the challenges of organic viticulture in the Champagne AOC.
After a brief overview of the organic champagne sector in 2024, with 634 wine-growing structures involved, representing 8% of the Champagne AOC area, the ACB presented its network, a real lever for defending and supporting organic winegrowers in Champagne.
Hervé Brisson, ACB administrator, reviewed current practices and ideas put forward by members in response to climatic hazards (spring frosts, excessive rainfall, droughts) that impact vines and wine quality. Among the ideas for the future are the use of heating wires, hybrid grape varieties, gentle pruning, increasing the height of binding wires, drones for treatments, the development of vitiforesterie (combining viticulture and forestry), planting density, night harvesting, pergolas, viti-tunnels and photovoltaic panels.
David Chaboche, consultant oenologist, shared his expert view on the changing profiles of Champagne wines in the face of climate change, marked by an increase in alcohol content, a decrease in acidity and a transformation of aromas. These are major changes in wines that the industry must anticipate and support.
Finally, HELLO FRANCE, winner of VITeff 2025, presented its award-winning innovative process: Biochelation. This technology ensures an effective supply of iron to plants without the use of synthetic transformations, as explained by Claude Carrère, the company’s communications director for France.
Thank you to all the speakers! 👏
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