An Asian ladybird on a Sémillon leaf in our Bouché parcel

These ladybirds were introduced to Europe in the 1980s for biological pest control. We now know that these ladybirds colonise the environment and are gradually driving out native ladybirds. This ladybird (whose appearance varies greatly) consumes more aphids than traditional ladybirds and reproduces much faster. Come harvest time, an excess of ladybirds is a concern, as they can impart off-flavours to the wine if they end up in the vat.