At the heart of our organic vines, chicory, this perennial herbaceous plant with an unassuming appearance, proves to be a valuable indicator of the vitality of our terroirs. Belonging to the vast Asteraceae family, which comprises around 100 species across the globe, chicory (Cichorium intybus by its Latin name) stands out with its broad, jagged leaves, often gathered in a rosette at the base, and its delicate, blue flower heads, which brighten up our plots from summer to early autumn.

Originally from North Africa and Eurasia, chicory has conquered many regions of the world, not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its multiple uses. Its leaves, rich in vitamins and minerals, are prized in cooking for their slight bitterness, bringing a touch of character to salads and other dishes. But beyond its gastronomic interest, it is its ecological role in our vineyards that holds our full attention.

The life cycle of chicory is typically biennial or perennial, although some varieties can be annual. In the Château Cazebonne vineyard, we see it emerge in the spring, develop its lush foliage in summer, and then flower from July to September. These flowers attract a multitude of insects, thereby contributing to the biodiversity essential to our viticultural ecosystem. It is often found in grassed areas, the edges of plots and along paths, preferring well-drained and sunny soils.

Its presence in our vine rows is no coincidence. Chicory is a valuable ally for the soil. Its deep roots have the capacity to decompact the earth, thereby promoting better aeration and optimal water infiltration. It actively contributes to improving soil structure, providing organic matter as it decomposes, and supporting the microbial life vital to the balance of the viticultural ecosystem. As Jean-Baptiste Duquesne describes in his book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", these "engineer" plants play a fundamental role in the health and resilience of the terroir, creating favourable conditions for the purest expression of our grape varieties.

Regarding its interaction with the vine, chicory is perfectly neutral, even beneficial. It does not directly compete with the vine for nutrients or water in any significant way, and instead contributes to a balanced environment. Its flower attracts pollinators and beneficial crop auxiliaries, which help keep pest populations at an acceptable level, thus reducing the need for external interventions. The soil decompaction it provides is also fundamental for the proper root development of the vine.

Observing chicory and all the floral diversity present in our plots at Château Cazebonne provides constant instruction. It reinforces our choices of organic and biodynamic agriculture, where every element of nature is considered an essential link in the balance. It is this philosophy that also drives us to replant forgotten Bordeaux grape varieties, such as Castets, Mancin or Saint-Macaire. This meticulous and fascinating work of preservation and rehabilitation is only possible thanks to the unwavering support of all the wine lovers who have embraced the unique flavours of our cuvées, thereby helping to write a new chapter in Bordeaux's winemaking history. We also have the pleasure of seeing borage bloom, which similarly contributes to the richness of our ecosystem, just like the dandelion flower.

This long-term undertaking, based on the study of and respect for Bordeaux's viticultural past, is detailed in Jean-Baptiste Duquesne's book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", which we invite you to discover. To test your knowledge on these fascinating subjects, feel free to take part in our oenological quizzes. Finally, to explore the unique expression of our terroirs and our rediscovered grape varieties, we invite you to visit our online shop and taste our wines.