Biodynamic viticulture, an ideal solution

For Alain Moueix, biodynamic methods are more consistent with his commitment to ecological, high-quality winegrowing.

His motivations take into consideration the protection of the environment and of the staff, the durability of the soils and an aim to bring out the very best qualities of the terroir, as well as the intensity and balance of the wines. 

Alain thinks that when you are lucky enough to manage a Grand Cru Classé, you also have some duties : one of them is to preserve it.

Established in 2002, biodynamic methods have brought positive changes and in 2010 their results can be observed objectively:

• Increased biodiversity and looser soils
• Veraison and lignification (vine shoots harden and turn from green to brown) are more consistent
• The skins of the grapes ripen earlier, allowing a harvest of very ripe grapes to be gathered (excellent acidity and degrees of potential alcohol are not too high)
• The vine has a stronger resistance to diseases

Biodynamic viticulture suits modern tastes.  In actual fact, it is used to produce smooth wines, without necessarily having to compromise on style and an ability to age well, whilst protecting living organisms in an enhanced natural environment.

But the motivation that truly drives Alain Moueix and his team is to produce wines of greater quality that fully express the terroir on which they are grown.

Biodynamic methods used for vines grown on Château Fonroque's limestone soils enable the wines to be purified and retain simply the essential elements:

• Gain more precision in fruit expression
• Encourage a finely chiselled, almost crystalline structure and develop a silky sensation on the palate
• Bring out minerality in a long, fresh finish, which guarantees the wines' well-balanced ageing.