Craftman’s work

The history of the franc-comtois breed

Unlike other winegrowers, who nowadays work horses just for the traditional appeal, at the Domaine Schlumberger we have never abandoned horse ploughing. We have 2 “franc-comtois” horses. They are very calm, they do not suffer from vertigo and they have a great draught power.

We use them mainly in the steepest terraces of the estate, where they prepare the ground of every replanted plot.

“Building a dry stone wall has perpetuated an ancestral tradition and passing on to the next generations a know-how attached to the wine-growing landscape” Anthony Leroux – Mason

In order to reduce the natural erosion of sandy grounds, the vineyard is arranged in terraces supported by 50 kilometres (35 miles) of dry stone walls made of Vosges sandstone.

Built following the Roman opus incertum (random stonework) principle, a team of highly specialised masons is in charge of these engineering structures throughout the year.

The longevity of the stonework and its capacity to reduce natural erosion will depend on the quality of the cutting and adjustment of each stone.

These walls represent twice the volume of the cathedral of Strasbourg and have made the Domaines Schlumberger famous as the “Mountain winemakers”.

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Vigne Chevaux Domaines Schlumberger Asace