Biodynamic viticulture, a few explanations...

To use biodynamics, a vineyard must first be cultivated using approved organic growing methods.  This system consists of not using chemical fertilizers, weed killers or pesticides produced by synthetic chemistry (only copper, in a limited quantity, and sulphur are authorised).

In 1924, Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, laid the foundations of biodynamic agriculture in response to questions about vegetal diseases.  He explained that in reality in the first instance it is not the plant that is ill, but the environment and particularly the soil, which can fall ill.  So it is important to seek the causes of plant diseases in the condition of the soil and the environment.

The main aim of biodynamic viticulture is to treat the soil, to regenerate, shape and maintain landscapes, provide people with healthy food and lastly develop the correct approach to living organisms and understand Man's role in all this.

Considering that nature is an entirety in which there are many interactions, biodynamic viticulture takes the environment into account.  Applied to the vine, the closest environment is the soil (which is invigorated by incorporating biodynamic preparations); the stars of the solar system represent the environment furthest from the vine.

Moreover, drawing inspiration from Goethe's works, the techniques of biodynamic viticulture teach the use of infusions, decoctions and vegetal manure: for a problem involving a deficiency or to help the vine ward of disease or insects.

Due to its proximity to the earth, the moon's influence is primordial on the way in which plants or numerous types of fungus which attack the vine function.  Various treatments will therefore be applied in accordance with the lunar calendar.

“To use biodynamic methods, it is important to be attentive to one's vine, observe and understand it, follow its wishes, act wisely to find the balance that encourages life.  Since there are fewer contrivances, it is all the more difficult and precision is essential, as in every pursuit of beauty, which is not measured in weight, but expressed in balance.”
For wine production, two certifications exist:

Demeter: the oldest, is an association that was founded after Mr Steiner's conferences and it is present in 42 different countries.

Biodyvin: established in 1996, is an association that regroups solely winemakers. 
As conversions have now all been completed, the grapes of Château Fonroque obtained Organic Certification in 2006 and supervision for Biodynamic techniques was established in 2008 by joining Biodyvin.

Biodynamic methods have a significant impact on living organisms: they contribute to the durability of the terroir by encouraging biodiversity, including life within soil.  Using these techniques leads to the awareness of a vineyard's potential and enables this to be better expressed, therefore making it possible to produce more authentic wines which possess different characteristics in their aromatic expression or structure.