What is massal selection?

At the heart of vineyard work, massal selection represents an ancestral yet still highly relevant approach, particularly for winegrowers concerned with the typicity of their terroir. Far from standard clones, often favoured for their uniformity and productivity, massal selection consists of identifying and propagating the most remarkable vines within a single plot. It involves spotting, year after year, the vines that best express the potential of the soil and climate.

Objectives of this agronomic practice

The main objective of massal selection is to conserve genetic diversity within the vineyard, to adapt the vine to its specific environment, and to perpetuate the particularities that create the identity and richness of a wine. Winegrowers look for vines that are most resistant to diseases, offer optimal ripeness, or whose berries reveal exceptional aromatic complexity and tannic structure. As Jean-Baptiste Duquesne points out in "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", this quest for diversity within the vineyard is essential for the authentic expression of the terroir.

A meticulous observation calendar

The observation work is carried out throughout the year, but takes on particular importance during the key periods of the vine's vegetative cycle. It is from bud break to veraison that the morphological and phenological characteristics of the vines are carefully noted. The harvest is a crucial time to evaluate the quality of the berries and their aromatic potential. Once the "elite" rootstocks have been identified, the scions are taken during the vine pruning period, when the sap has receded, usually in winter, before the bleeding of the vine.

The stages of massal selection

Identification of the mother vines

The first step consists of walking through the plots to identify the vines that present superior agronomic and oenological qualities. This observation is carried out over several vegetative cycles to ensure the consistency and stability of the desired characteristics. These promising vines are marked so they can be easily found again.

Harvesting the scions

Once the vines have been selected, shoots are taken during winter pruning. These shoots, called scions, are then stored under optimal conditions (controlled humidity and temperature) to prevent them from drying out and to avoid the development of diseases.

Propagation and planting

The scions can be used in several ways:

• Top-grafting the vine onto existing rootstocks.
• Grafting onto new rootstocks in a nursery to create young vine plants intended for future plantings.
• Interplanting the vine in existing plots.

This method helps to improve and regenerate the vineyard whilst preserving its terroir and biodiversity.

Necessary equipment

The basic equipment includes a sharp and disinfected pair of secateurs for taking the scions, as well as markers to identify the mother vines. For top-grafting or plant production, a specific grafting knife and suitable rootstocks are required. Labels and a traceability system are also essential for tracking the origin and destination of the scions.

A practice at the heart of the Cazebonne philosophy

At Château Cazebonne, this massal selection approach fits perfectly into our philosophy of reviving historic Bordeaux grape varieties. We are resolutely committed to replanting these grape varieties that had disappeared or fallen into oblivion, thus helping to preserve a unique viticultural heritage and rediscover the soul of the wines of yesteryear, an essential facet of Bordeaux's history.

This fascinating work, a true agronomic and oenological challenge, is made possible thanks to the enthusiasm of the many wine lovers who have embraced our wines and support our unique approach. If you wish to discover the fruits of this labour and passion, explore the history and characteristics of these varieties with our book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", test your knowledge of the Bordeaux wine world with our oenological quizzes, or discover our cuvées available directly from the Cazebonne boutique.