In our relentless quest for regenerative agriculture, ancient wheats hold a prominent place at Château Cazebonne. Far from modern varieties selected for their yield, these ancient cereals are invaluable allies for the health of our soils and the vitality of our viticultural ecosystems. Wheats are systematically included in our cover crop sowings, well beyond their simple role in straw production. Their presence on our land is a strong commitment to restoring organic matter, that essential "fuel of life" for the fertility and resilience of our terroirs.

Beyond cultivation: a fundamental agronomic role

Ancient wheats stand out for their ability to adapt to varied environments and naturally resist stress, without impacting their yield. These are varieties that implement a resilience strategy against climatic hazards (prolonged drought, temperature variations). This makes them ideal candidates for agroecological practices. Their morphological characteristics, particularly their deep roots, actively contribute to improving soil structure and fertility. This approach is part of our desire to develop agroecology in viticulture and promote biodiversity.

A fundamental role in soil structure and water management

These wheat varieties, cultivated for centuries, develop a deep and dense root system. This underground network is a formidable soil architect, creating galleries that promote water infiltration, limit erosion and improve aeration. As they decompose, these roots enrich the soil with organic matter, increasing its capacity to retain water and nutrients. It is a virtuous circle: a living soil nourishes healthier plants, which in turn enrich the soil. This improvement in soil structure and fertility is paramount for the vigour of our vines and the quality of our wines, especially in the context of climate change. Ancient wheats, through their robustness and adaptability, are invaluable sentinels facing current environmental challenges.

The calendar of ancient wheats in our plots

The establishment of ancient wheats at Château Cazebonne follows a precise calendar, integrating the natural cycles of the vine and the seasons. Sowing is generally carried out in autumn, after the harvest and the first soil preparation, in order to allow the cereals to establish themselves well before winter. Vegetative growth continues during the cold months, providing a protective cover for the soil. In spring, when the vine emerges from its dormancy, the ancient wheats continue their development, right up to flowering and grain formation. It is at this point that their role as a cover crop is most pronounced, before we intervene to roll them flat.

The establishment and management of ancient wheats in the vineyard

The practice begins with minimal soil preparation, favouring no-till techniques to preserve microbial life and soil structure. The ancient wheat seeds are then distributed evenly between the vine rows. Their growth is natural and requires few inputs. In spring, before the cereals enter into water competition with the vine, we proceed with the rolling of the cover crops. This operation consists of flattening the wheats to the ground, thereby creating a protective and nutritious mulch.

Precious straw for our mulches and soil life

Beyond their underground benefits, ancient wheats offer us high-quality straw. When we roll our cover crops in spring, this straw forms a natural and sustainable mulch. This mulch plays several essential roles: it protects the soil from the sun's burning rays, reducing evaporation and the need for irrigation; it limits the growth of weeds, thereby reducing the need for chemical weeding; and it decomposes slowly, gradually releasing nutrients for the vine while stimulating the biological activity of soil micro-organisms. It is a precious resource, a gift from nature that we make the most of to maintain the fertility of our plots and the biodiversity of our vineyards. This synergy between the ancient wheats and the vine strengthens the agroecological balance of our land.

Equipment and associated practices

For sowing, we use a seed drill adapted for under-cover cultivation, which allows for precise seed placement. For rolling in spring, a roller crimper is used. This tool is designed to flatten the cereals without cutting them, encouraging slow and gradual decomposition. These tools are chosen for their ability to minimise soil disturbance and perfectly align with our approach to sustainable viticulture and our philosophy of a living soil. We also resort to market gardening within the vineyards, where these principles are put into practice.

Why ancient wheats at Cazebonne: a concrete agroecological approach

At Château Cazebonne, the integration of ancient wheats into our practices is part of a comprehensive approach to promoting biodiversity. Their varied life cycles and natural resistance to diseases contribute to the resilience and balance of our agroecosystems. By cultivating these less uniform varieties, we foster a natural balance, allowing our vines to flourish in a healthier, more balanced environment, less dependent on external interventions. It is this same philosophy that drives us to passionately replant, in Bordeaux, the grape varieties that had disappeared from the viticultural landscape, as evidenced by the historical richness described in "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages". This pioneering work is only possible thanks to the invaluable support of the many enthusiasts who have adopted our wines and share our vision of innovative viticulture that respects its terroir. By supporting Château Cazebonne, you are participating in the revival of a viticultural and agricultural heritage of inestimable value.

To discover the fruits of our labour and support our commitment, we invite you to visit the Cazebonne shop. If you wish to deepen your knowledge of the fascinating history of Bordeaux grape varieties by downloading the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", published by Éditions BBD and written by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, or by testing your knowledge with our oenological quizzes, please do not hesitate.