What is unearthing?

Unearthing is an essential viticultural practice that marks the end of winter protection for the vines. During the coldest months, winegrowers traditionally "hill up" or "earth up" the vines, which means forming a mound of soil, called a cavaillon, around the base of each vine. This mound acts as natural insulation, protecting the lower buds of the vine from frost and limiting the impact of excessive moisture.

Unearthing consists precisely of removing this mound of earth once the risk of late frosts has passed. This work must be carried out carefully so as not to damage the vine trunk or the first superficial rootlets.

Agronomic objectives of unearthing

This technical procedure pursues several crucial agronomic objectives for the good health and development of the vine. Firstly, it allows significant aeration of the soil at the base of the vine. This aeration promotes the rapid warming of the earth, which is vital for the resumption of root activity and gas circulation. Secondly, by clearing the crown of the plant, unearthing prevents stagnant moisture that could encourage the development of fungal diseases. Finally, it stimulates the development of superficial roots, which play an important role in absorbing nutrients and water at the start of the vegetative cycle.

Unearthing can be followed by mechanical weeding or grassing between the rows, thus completing soil preparation for the coming season.

When should the vines be unearthed?

The timeline for unearthing is closely linked to weather conditions and the vegetative stage of the vine. It is generally carried out in late winter or early spring, after the period of hard frosts and before bud break. The exact timing depends on the regions and vintages, but it should ideally precede the awakening of the sap to allow the vine to fully benefit from this practice.

Methods of unearthing

Traditionally, unearthing was carried out manually or using an animal-drawn plough, ensuring precision and respect for the soil. Today, there are various approaches:

• Manual: This is the most respectful method, but also the most labour-intensive. It ensures unparalleled quality of work, ideal for young vines or hard-to-reach plots.
• Mechanical: Modern unearthing machines, often equipped with fingers or discs, are used. They require precise adjustment to work as close as possible to the vine without injuring it. These tools are generally suited to living, deeply ploughed soils.
• Horse-drawn: At Château Cazebonne, we still sometimes favour working with a horse on certain plots. This approach, in harmony with our biodynamic principles, limits soil compaction and allows for gentle, targeted intervention. The horse is a valuable partner for vineyard work.

Unearthing at Château Cazebonne

At Château Cazebonne, unearthing is part of our overarching philosophy of respecting the terroir and seeking natural balance. We approach it with the same care as other key stages in the vine's cycle, such as pruning or vine pulling. This practice is essential for preparing the vineyard to reach its fullest expression. By helping the vines to flourish, we aim to reveal all the richness of our wine-growing terroirs.

This meticulous work and unique philosophy give rise to wines that tell the story of our estate and its forgotten grape varieties. If you are curious to learn more about these rare varieties and their journey through the ages, you can download the digital version of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" via this link: Discover the fascinating history of Bordeaux grape varieties. Feel free to also take an interest in vine propping to deepen your knowledge. You can also test your knowledge of the wine world by taking part in our oenological quizzes. Finally, to savour the fruit of our passion and commitment, discover and order our vintages directly from our online shop.