We are planning to replant the parcel behind the Chateau in the spring. It will be Grenache and Mouvedre grapes, year old plants carefully chosen for their suitability for this patch of ground, each one sealed with red wax to stop the rootstock from growing upwards.
The Carignan grapes were pulled out some years ago, and the ground has been resting since then. Interestingly the sites of the fires for the roots, created vivid circular spots of poppies the following year – the seeds having been stirred into action by the heat of the flames.
Last year in the Autumn we lined up behind a huge tractor with a deep plough to remove any left over roots from the carignan – an important job as the new young plants die if their roots come into contact with old roots in the soil.
Last week before the rain, sheep muck pellets were spread, and then ploughed into the ground. Proof of this can be seen in the picture, the orange caterpillar and Mohammed hard at work and the fat dog in the foreground enjoying the fertiliser!
Hopefully everything will be ready and welcoming for the young vines when they are planted towards the middle of March
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