At Château Cazebonne, our Jardin des Vignes is not limited to growing ancient grape varieties. The potato (Solanum tuberosum), a prominent member of the Solanaceae family, holds a special place here, embodying our philosophy of diversity and returning to our roots. Originally from the Andes, this tuber has conquered the entire world, and we passionately cultivate ancient varieties to rediscover authentic, often forgotten flavours.

A nutritional and culinary treasure

Far from being a simple starchy food, the potato is a true powerhouse of health benefits. It is rich in vitamins (mainly C and B) and essential minerals such as potassium, and provides complex carbohydrates, making it a valuable source of energy. Its ability to transform in the kitchen is almost infinite: whether yellow, red, purple, or another colour depending on the variety, it adapts to a multitude of dishes like gratins, purées, or simply boiled. At the Jardin des Vignes, we are committed to preserving this varietal wealth to offer unique tasting experiences.

The potato, an emblem of biodiversity at Cazebonne

The presence of potatoes and other market garden crops within our vine parcels is no coincidence. It symbolises the spirit of the Jardin des Vignes, a project that reconnects with the ancestral practices of "joualles" cultivation, where vines and other crops coexisted harmoniously. This approach reflects our commitment to biodiversity, which is essential for the health of our soils and the balance of our ecosystem. This work is part of a broader logic of agroecology in viticulture and living soils, where each element contributes to the overall richness of our terroir. You can discover the importance of biodiversity in our vines or our actions for market gardening in the vines on our website.

A historical and cultural heritage

The history of the potato is rich and fascinating, beginning thousands of years ago on the high Andean plateaus, where it was already a staple food. Introduced to Europe in the 16th century, it took time to establish itself due to prejudice and ignorance. It was only with figures like Antoine Parmentier in the 18th century that it earned its nobility and became a staple food. This resilience and adaptability make it a fitting symbol for our estate, which also works towards the rehabilitation of forgotten Bordeaux grape varieties, thereby contributing to the richness and history of Bordeaux's viticultural heritage—a history described in Jean-Baptiste Duquesne's book, "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages".

Varietal diversity at the Jardin des Vignes

Beyond its nutritional and historical role, the potato stands out for its incredible varietal diversity. Hundreds, even thousands of varieties exist, each with its own specificities in terms of texture, flavour, size, and colour. At the Jardin des Vignes of Château Cazebonne, we are dedicated to cultivating ancient and less common varieties, thus contributing to the preservation of agronomic heritage. This approach not only allows us to rediscover forgotten tastes but also to strengthen the resilience of our ecosystem in the face of climatic and health challenges. Testing different varieties in our parcels allows us to observe their adaptation to the terroir and their integration into an agroforestry approach. If you wish to learn more about the different varieties of apples and their importance, our dedicated section will enlighten you.

Cultivating the potato in symbiosis with the vine

Growing potatoes among our vine parcels is not just a mere nod to history. It is an integral part of our philosophy of synergy and mutual enrichment within the ecosystem of the Jardin des Vignes. By promoting crop rotation and plant species diversity, we improve soil structure, increase its fertility, and naturally limit pest populations. This beneficial association concretely illustrates the spirit of "joualles" cultivation, where each element contributes to the vitality of the whole, thereby fostering the flora and fauna necessary for a sustainable balance. An approach that aligns with our commitment to living soils and agriculture that respects its environment.

Château Cazebonne is resolutely committed to reviving and promoting the richness of biodiversity, by replanting grape varieties in Bordeaux that had disappeared, and by carefully cultivating treasures like the potato. This long-term work is made possible thanks to the unwavering support of a community of enlightened enthusiasts. To deepen your knowledge of this fascinating history of Bordeaux grape varieties, do not hesitate to download the digital version of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages". To test your knowledge and learn more about oenology, take part in our oenology quizzes. And to discover the fruit of this research and commitment, all our vintages are available at the Cazebonne boutique.