Spring, this magnificent season when nature awakens, is a time of intense and vulnerable rebirth for the vine. After the period of winter rest, the sap rises through the canes, a prelude to a fascinating spectacle. The first "tears" – these beads of water weeping from the pruning wounds – are the heralds of the great awakening. It is the beginning of an immutable cycle, where every step is crucial for the future of the vintage.

Then comes bud burst: tiny green buds, promising leaves, flowers and future fruit, delicately hatch along the wood. These tender shoots, though minuscule, carry within them all the potential of the coming harvest. It is a period marked by great fragility, as late frosts, which are common in Gironde, can destroy months of hard work in a matter of hours, jeopardising a significant part of the production.

At Château Cazebonne, every bud is a symbol of our commitment to preserving and enhancing Bordeaux's viticultural heritage. This spring is all the more significant as we continue our unique endeavour to replant forgotten grape varieties. These varieties, once common in Bordeaux, were eclipsed by monoculture, yet they possess an invaluable aromatic richness and adaptability in the face of current climate challenges. In-depth research, notably inspired by the accounts and work in the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, published by Éditions BBD, has guided us in this quest to breathe life back into these genetic treasures.

This exciting adventure, which contributes to the renaissance of a part of Bordeaux's viticultural history, is only possible thanks to the unwavering support of the many wine enthusiasts who have embraced our wines and believe in our vision. Your loyalty allows these rare grape varieties to reclaim their rightful place in the Bordeaux landscape.

The awakening of the vine after winter

Spring marks the beginning of the vine's new vegetative cycle. After the winter rest when the sap descends into the roots, the rising sap is the first visible sign of awakening. This phenomenon, commonly known as the "tears of the vine", is linked to root pressure pushing the mineral sap from the roots towards the aerial parts after pruning. These droplets, beading at the cuts on the canes, are rich in nutrients and signal that the plant is preparing for a new growing season.

The biological mechanisms of spring in the vineyards

Beyond the "tears", the main springtime mechanism is bud burst. Influenced by milder temperatures and increasing daylight, the cells in the buds reactivate. A bud contains not only the beginnings of leaves but also the rudiments of future bunches, in the form of inflorescences. This process is finely regulated by plant hormones and represents a crucial stage for the physiology of the vine and the potential yield of the vintage.

A precise seasonal calendar

The calendar of spring in the vineyards follows well-defined stages. Bud burst generally occurs between March and April in Bordeaux, depending on the grape varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.) and local weather conditions. This is followed by shoot growth, desuckering and then trellising. In late May to early June, flowering brings tiny blossoms that will turn into future fruit. Each step requires particular attention from the winegrowers.

Careful observation of the signs of life

The winegrowers at Château Cazebonne are the first to observe these signs of spring. From swelling buds to the unfurling of the first leaves, every detail is scrutinised to anticipate the vine's needs. The appearance of certain indicator plants, such as dandelions or poppies, is also an important sign of the vitality of the living soils we cultivate.

Cazebonne's practices in spring

At Château Cazebonne, spring is synonymous with intense activities that are respectful of living ecosystems. We prune the vines, remove the suckers, and pay particular attention to protecting the young shoots against late frost. Our biodynamic approach integrates specific preparations to strengthen the vine and promote natural balance ahead of the challenges of summer.

Clarifying common misconceptions

Contrary to popular belief, the "tears of the vine" are not tears of sorrow but a sign of great vitality. Similarly, the vigour of the first shoots alone does not guarantee a good harvest: diseases such as downy or powdery mildew, as well as frosts, can still seriously jeopardise expectations. Constant vigilance is therefore crucial.

At Château Cazebonne, we are committed to preserving and enriching Bordeaux's viticultural heritage, notably by replanting forgotten grape varieties. This work is made possible by the support of wine enthusiasts who embrace our wines. To learn more about the fascinating history of Bordeaux grape varieties, do not hesitate to download the digital version of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages". If you would like to test your wine knowledge, we invite you to take part in our oenological quizzes. And of course, to discover our cuvées made from these rare and authentic grape varieties, visit our online shop.