At Jérôme Bourgeois’s estate, the vines grow freely.
On his 7 hectares, which have been farmed organically since 2013 and biodynamically since 2014, Jérôme Bourgeois practises vine training, a gentle technique he discovered during a visit to the Ruppert-Leroy estate in Aube.
Unlike traditional pruning, trellising allows the vines to complete their growth cycle naturally, without stress. The plant retains its apex, which promotes auxin production and therefore a smoother and more balanced vegetative dynamic throughout the growing season.
Results:
- Less development of inter-hearts
- Less leaf crowding around the bunches
- Better aeration, and therefore less pressure from mildew
- A larger leaf surface area, promoting optimal ripeness
In the cellar, Jérôme cannot claim a direct effect on his wines, but since he has been using this method, he has observed greater ripeness, better balance, and perhaps even finer acidity.
The trellising takes him around 50 hours of work per year, but with experience, his movements have become more refined and his efficiency has increased with each season.
Combined with gentle pruning and bud break control, this technique has found its place in his vineyards.
‘A vine that is less stressed is a vine that produces better fruit.’
