Spring is a pivotal season in the life of the vine. At Domaine de Cambis, located in Berlou in the Hérault, it is also one of the best times to come and meet the winegrower and immerse yourself in the heart of the work in the vines. Between the awakening of the plants and meticulous gestures, this period reveals what goes on behind the scenes of a vintage in the making.
The vine wakes up
As soon as the first mild spring weather arrives, the vine awakens after its winter rest. The buds swell, the first leaves appear: this is bud break. This phenomenon marks the beginning of intense activity in the vineyard.
Martin Perolari, winegrower at Domaine de Cambis, then watches over every detail. The young shoots are fragile, and spring frosts can jeopardise the future harvest. Vigilance is essential. On the schist slopes of Berlou, between 250 and 400 metres of altitude, the elevation partially protects the vine, but every frost episode still has to be monitored closely.
Spring work: patience and precision
The magic of wine begins long before the harvest. Spring is the moment when everything is decided. Several essential gestures set the rhythm of this period:
End of pruning
Begun back in winter, pruning is completed at the start of spring. It structures the vine, balances the bud load and encourages good aeration of the foliage.
Disbudding
By removing certain shoots deemed superfluous, the winegrower directs the plant's energy towards the most promising bunches. It is a meticulous selection job carried out by hand.
Trellising and tying
The shoots are guided between the wires to optimise their exposure to the sun, which is essential to the future ripening of the grapes. A good arrangement of the foliage also encourages air circulation, naturally limiting the risk of disease.
Soil work
At Domaine de Cambis, certified Agriculture Biologique (certified organic) since the 2021 vintage, the soil work is mechanical: no chemical weedkiller. The schist of Berlou plays a crucial role here: it drains water, stores the heat of the day which it releases at night, and contributes to the minerality that characterises the Domaine's wines.
These gestures, although invisible in the glass, are fundamental to the quality of the wine.
Why visit the Domaine in spring?
It is in spring that Domaine de Cambis reveals its soul. The landscapes of the Haut-Languedoc turn green, the vines come back to life, and the team is hard at work. By coming to the Domaine at this time of year, visitors can:
- Watch the winegrower's work up close
- Understand the impact of the terroir on the vine
- Take part in a guided tasting, directly linked to the work under way
The link between the gesture and the taste then becomes obvious: what you see in the vines, you feel in the glass.
An invitation to encounter wine
Visiting Domaine de Cambis in spring means discovering a craft, a terroir and a passion at the liveliest moment of the year. An invitation to encounter wine… at its very root.
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