Thanks to the vine grower’s hard work and
all the improvements he has carried out, today
the vine has developed from a simple bush into
a well-structured plant perfectly integrated with
Mediterranean climatic conditions.
Winter
: (November-March)
pruning;
Hoeing to remove weeds and favour rainwater penetration.
Spring
: (april)
The sap begins to rise and the vine starts to
bleed at the pruning cuts.
The buds begin to show leaf and the first bunches
of blossom form.
Summer(May-June):
The shoots start growing. This rapid growth is
held in check by trimming. At the beginning
of June all the vines blossom and numerous parasites
appear (insects, fungi, etc) which
must be fought with chemicals. Luckily the Mistral
is a good ally. Another trimming is
carried out to eliminate surplus growth on the
main stem and excessive leaves on the
fruiting laterals and lastly weeding.
Mid-July
:
The growing period is completed by thinning the
bunches in order to lighten the vines and
improve grape quality; removal of leaves to favour
ripening in the sun. Day by day the
grapes are enriched with tanning, mineral salts
and above all with sugar. The sugar content
is all important to establish when picking should
begin.
Nowadays wine making is subject to several Customs
laws:
End
of July:
declaration of existing stock in the cellars.
End
of November:
declaration of the crop (so as to know future
stock of wines in the cellar).
End
of every month:
declaration of wine sold in the bottle and in
bulk.
End
of year:
declaration of new machinery, uprooted vines and
vine varieties.
