Maintenance of the walls : in order to reduce the natural erosion of the sandy soils, the vineyard is organized in terraces supported by 50 kilometers of dry stone walls made of Vosges sandstone. Erected according to the Roman principle of opus incertum (random work), these works of art are maintained throughout the year by a team of highly qualified masons. The quality of the size and adjustment of each stone will determine the longevity of the structure and its ability to reduce natural erosion. The walls contribute to the biodiversity of the vineyard by maintaining the presence of many green lizards.
Horses : Horse work avoids placing a plow pan. And, if it is true that the pressure exerted on the ground by a horse in action is greater (per square centimeter) than that of a tractor, its support surface is almost zero. In addition, the plowing tool is placed behind the animal, which makes it possible to immediately correct the compaction caused by its passage. The biological, chemical and physical life of the soil is reactivated. The agronomic potential of the soil is better exploited. With a ventilated structure, runoff from excess rain is limited. The soil is prepared for better infiltration of water, which makes it possible to build up reserves in depth. Finally, the work of the soil by the horse creates a soil structure much more adapted to the health of the vine whose root system penetrates in depth. Its water supply is better. The vine is more vigorous.
Sheep : the first results of agro-pastoralism are encouraging. A sharp decrease in herbicide treatments and the number of tractor passes has been observed. In addition, the new management of weeds brought about by pastoralism makes it possible to limit the phenomena of runoff and erosion. It also makes it possible to create better conditions for hosting biodiversity in the vines.
The forest : a full-fledged player in our domain, the forest overlooking all of our hillsides represents a real source of biodiversity. A natural habitat for many species, it is home to insects, birds, mammals and reptiles and provides natural regulation that helps fight pests. In addition, the presence of the forest allows constant, regular and natural hydration of our plots below, thus limiting the increasingly frequent water stress with global warming.
The historical museum of the vine : developed and set up in 1989 by Eric Beydon-Schlumberger, the objective is to retrace the immutable continuity of the vine from its origins to the present day and thus pay it the homage it deserves. A plot clinging to the highest point of the Kitterlé Grand Cru, this open-air “museum” open to everyone wants to be and can only be resolutely alive and evolving. It also represents a place of reflection and humanism, a simple goal for a walk, or even an encounter with our own origins, those of humanity…