Spring is a pivotal season in the life of the vine. At Domaine de Cambis, located in Berlou in the Hérault region, it's also one of the best times to meet the winemaker and delve into the heart of viticulture. Between the awakening of vegetation and meticulous care, this period reveals the behind-the-scenes work of an evolving vintage.
The vine awakens
With the first gentle spring days, the vine awakens after its winter rest. Buds swell, and the first leaves appear: this is budbreak. This phenomenon marks the beginning of intense activity in the vineyard.
Martin Perolari, winemaker at Domaine de Cambis, then pays attention to every detail. The young shoots are fragile, and spring frosts can compromise the future harvest. Vigilance is essential. On the schist hillsides of Berlou, between 250 and 400 meters of altitude, the elevation partially protects the vine, but every frost episode still needs to be closely monitored.
Spring tasks: patience and precision
The magic of wine begins long before the harvest. Spring is when everything comes into play. Several essential actions punctuate this period:
End of pruning
Started in winter, pruning finishes in early spring. It allows the vine to be structured, to balance the bud load, and to promote good aeration of the foliage.
Disbudding
By removing certain shoots deemed superfluous, the winemaker directs the plant's energy towards the most promising grape clusters. This is a meticulous selection process carried out by hand.
Trellising and tying
The shoots are guided between wires to optimize their sun exposure, essential for the future ripening of the grapes. Good foliage arrangement also promotes air circulation, naturally limiting the risk of diseases.
Soil cultivation
At Domaine de Cambis, certified Organic Agriculture since the 2021 vintage, soil cultivation is mechanical: no chemical herbicides. The schists of Berlou play a crucial role here: they drain water, store daytime heat which they release at night, and contribute to the characteristic minerality of the Domaine's wines.
These actions, though invisible in the glass, are fundamental to the wine's quality.
Why visit the Domaine in spring?
It is in spring that Domaine de Cambis reveals its soul. The landscapes of Haut-Languedoc turn green, the vines come back to life, and the team is at work. By visiting the Domaine during this period, visitors can:
- Observe the winemaker's work up close
- Understand the impact of the terroir on the vine
- Participate in a guided tasting, directly related to the ongoing work
The link between gesture and taste then becomes evident: what you see in the vineyards, you feel in the glass.
An invitation to discover wine
Visiting Domaine de Cambis in spring means discovering a profession, a terroir, and a passion at the liveliest time of the year. An invitation to discover wine… at its root.
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