In the vineyard, in the cellar

François Chidaine specialises in plot-by-plot winemaking. He cultivates each plot individually and produces a wide range of cuvées. Since switching to biodynamic farming in 1999, he has been conducting numerous experiments, experimenting with plant diversity to recreate an ecosystem.

Biodynamics: a philosophy

“As a winegrower, biodynamics encapsulates my approach to working and thinking about viticulture. It is both a culmination and a quest. A culmination because this philosophy of terroir places the vine at the heart of our concerns and drives us to strive for excellence. But it is also a constant quest for higher quality and greater respect for the environment. ” [François Chidaine]

Biodynamic viticulture goes further than organic farming and the avoidance of synthetic chemicals. It involves nurturing the soil and the vines within their natural environment using preparations made from plant, animal and mineral materials. These preparations must be applied at specific times during the annual cycle: this is the ‘dynamic’ aspect. Maria Thun’s calendar was developed based on the solar and lunar cycles that influence the growth of the vine. Soil management through ploughing and scarification is also very important. The aim is to strike a balance and create harmonious living conditions between the soil, the plant and the environment in order to produce a high-quality wine.

(source: Domaine François Chidaine)

A few photos of the François Chidaine estate