In the heart of Château Cazebonne, a small, discreet yet emblematic resident catches the eye with its agility and the characteristic dance of its vibrant orange-red tail: the Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros). This familiar bird has made its home in the crevices of old buildings, the nooks of stone walls, and readily perches on our vineyard posts, keeping constant watch over its surroundings.

The male, with his charcoal-black plumage contrasting superbly with his fiery tail, is easily distinguished. The female, more modest in her grey-brown tones, shares the same vivacity. Both, measuring around 14 to 15 cm and weighing around ten grams, sport this characteristic shivering red tail. The red tail is their most obvious hallmark, visible even in fledglings.

A partial migrant, the Black Redstart is often one of the first birds to return to our vineyards in spring, as early as March, remaining until October or November. Its presence is also a reliable indicator of nature awakening and the growing activity of insects, its primary food source.

At Cazebonne, these birds favour built structures such as old walls, roofs, barns, and estate outbuildings, where they find cavities for nesting. They are also frequently spotted perching on trellising wires, vineyard posts, and on the vine stocks themselves. Their presence is particularly noticeable around the old chai and sheds.

These insectivores are valuable allies for the balance of our vineyards. Their hunting technique is fascinating: perched on the lookout from a strategic vantage point, they swoop down with lightning speed on insects spotted on the ground or catch their prey in mid-flight, actively helping to regulate the insect population across our parcels. They feed mainly on spiders, caterpillars, and small beetles, thereby contributing naturally to the control of many vineyard pests.

The Black Redstart's interaction with the vineyard is therefore distinctly beneficial. By consuming large numbers of potentially harmful insects, they help protect our vines without the need for chemical intervention. Their diet does not include grapes, making them completely harmless to the harvest, unlike other species such as starlings.

The steady and thriving presence of the Black Redstart at Cazebonne is a concrete indicator of flourishing biodiversity. Since our conversion to organic viticulture in 2017, the absence of pesticides and the preservation of varied habitats – from age-old stone walls to the estate's historic buildings – have created an ideal sanctuary for this agile hunter and many other species. Indeed, it is no coincidence that during a survey conducted in October 2023 by an ornithologist, no fewer than 25 different species were identified in the immediate vicinity of our estate. We are proud to count the Black Redstart among the many animals and beneficial species present in our vineyards, a testament to our commitment to biodiversity, alongside the robin.

This harmony with nature reflects our philosophy at Cazebonne: respectful viticulture in symbiosis with its environment. Just as the Black Redstart contributes to ecosystem balance, we are dedicated to reviving forgotten Bordeaux grape varieties, true gems of our viticultural heritage. Castets, Mancin, and Saint Macaire, whose history is so well chronicled in the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" published by Éditions BBD and written by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, have found a welcoming home here. This passionate and demanding work is made possible thanks to the unwavering support of the many enthusiasts who have embraced our wines and share our vision.

At Château Cazebonne, we work every day to sustain this delicate balance by replanting ancient and indigenous Bordeaux grape varieties—an approach you can discover further when you receive the digital version of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages". To test your knowledge of our philosophy and the world of wine, feel free to take part in our wine quizzes, and of course, to support our work and discover the fruits of our labour, we invite you to explore the Cazebonne online shop.