D6 Wset
D6 Wset
Table of Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................................3
Certification Options..........................................................................................................3
I. Sustainable certifications...................................................................................................3
a. International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO)...........................................................................4
b. Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE)...............................................................................................4
c. Terra Vitis (TV)....................................................................................................................................4
II. Organic certifications.........................................................................................................4
III. Biodynamic certifications...................................................................................................5
a. Demeter.............................................................................................................................................5
b. Syndicat International Des Vignerons en Culture Bio-dynamique (Biodyvin).....................................5
Conclusion........................................................................................................................10
Reference list...................................................................................................................11
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Introduction
Bordeaux is an immense wine region with over 110,000 hectares under vine and 5,700
growers.1 Due to maritime climate and high-water activity, disease pressure has been a
notable concern for Bordeaux producers.2 As such, certified environmental approaches
towards viticulture were not seen as an important pursuit for producers.3 However, with the
effects of climate change more evident than ever, these sentiments have changed. Recent
statistics showcase that 65% of total vineyard area (TVA) satisfies a certified environmental
approach in 2020.4
The Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux’s (CIVB) was founded in 1948 and is the
biggest organisation in French wine.5 The CIVB represents three actors: wine growers, wine
merchants and brokers.6 Building on the aforementioned momentum, the CIVB has set the
ambitious target of having 100% of the TVA meet some form of certified environmental
approach by 2030.7
Certification Options
The term environmental approach is not protected, and as such, a myriad of certification
options are available to Bordeaux producers.8 Noting the potential choice paralysis, the CIVB
created the Système de Management Environnemental (SME) in 2010 to assist with the
complexity and expenses associated with certification.9 The SME encourages collaboration
between adjacent estates to improve performance and achieve certifications. 10 Sustainable
certifications, at the risk of creating a false hierarchy, form the most accessible certified
environmental approaches. They will be explored first before discussing the more onerous
organic and biodynamic certifications available.
I. Sustainable certifications
Sustainable agriculture allows the use of some synthetic chemicals, but constrains the
varieties and quantities administered.11 These synthetic chemicals include herbicides,
pesticides and, of special relevance to Bordeaux, fungicides.12 The following sustainable
certificates incorporate more than chemical control, but also the principles of agro-ecology
and biodiversity promotion.
1
(MW, 2022).
2
(Suter et al., 2019).
3
(Mora, 2014).
4
(MW, 2022).
5
(CirculAgronomie, 2019).
6
(CirculAgronomie, 2019).
7
(Shakeshaft, 2023).
8
(King, 2013).
9
(Chateau Couhins Lurton, n.d.).
10
(Chateau Couhins Lurton, n.d.).
11
(Noël, 2009).
12
(Barker and Gimingham, 1911).
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13
(ISO, 2015).
14
(ISO, 2015).
15
(ISO, 2015).
16
(Barker and Gimingham, 1911).
17
(Xiclun, 2017).
18
(Xiclun, 2017).
19
(Xiclun, 2017).
20
(Fédération Nationale Terra Vitis, n.d.).
21
(Fédération Nationale Terra Vitis, n.d.).
22
(Fédération Nationale Terra Vitis, n.d.).
23
(Narby, 2022d).
24
(Narby, 2022d).
25
(Narby, 2022d).
26
(Narby, 2022d).
27
(Ministre de l’Agriculture et de la Souveraineté alimentaire, n.d.).
28
(Ministre de l’Agriculture et de la Souveraineté alimentaire, n.d.).
29
(Narby, 2022a).
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allowed, such as copper and sulphur.30 However even their use is limited to set amounts,
which vary depending on the vintage conditions. Furthermore, practices in the winery are
restricted with a low level of sulphites mandatory and only organic products permitted.31
I. Measure: soil
In present day Bordeaux, many producers have made efforts to increase knowledge of their
vineyard soil composition and to strengthen the microbial presence in their soils.42 There is a
widespread understanding that this contributes to a good wine and reduces the necessity for
synthetic chemicals. 43
30
(Narby, 2022a).
31
(Narby, 2022a).
32
(Narby, 2022a).
33
(Landwirtschaft, 2021).
34
(Narby, 2022a).
35
(Demeter International, n.d.).
36
(Demeter International, n.d.).
37
(Demeter International, n.d.).
38
(Demeter International, n.d.).
39
(Feilden, 2022).
40
(Biodyvin, n.d.).
41
(Biodyvin, n.d.).
42
(Tahon and Batt, 2021).
43
(Tahon and Batt, 2021).
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Château Luchey-Halde on Bordeaux’s left bank has been substantially decreasing their
carbon footprint through a range of soil-focused adaptations.44 In the early 2000s, Luchey-
Halde had a pedological study conducted. This study determined which varieties to plant on
corresponding soil types; allowing for healthy vines with minimal synthetics.45 Their efforts
to create healthy soil include tillage, planting 15 different tree species and utilising hedges.
The goal was to increase microbiome diversity and limit phytosanitary spread in the air. 46 To
showcase their respect for the environment, and the positive impact they have on the land, in
2020 they begun eco-pasturing with the conservatory of Aquataine breeds.47 By doing so the
land is naturally nourished, whilst simultaneously allowing the protection of endangered
native breeds. Besides their own commitments, they sought certification of various sources:
ISO 14001 and HVE.48
The efforts made by producers such as Château Luchey-Halde to attain certification have
been beneficial to the commercial side of their business as well. In the present day,
consumers are more than ever searching for environmentally conscious producers. Producers
such as Château Loudenne have noted the even French supermarkets are looking for
certifications displayed on bottles. 49 Overall, the consumer base is exceedingly
environmentally conscious.
Château Luchey-Halde’s efforts to reduce synthetic chemicals and promote biodiversity not
only impact their wine, but also improve the broader Bordeaux ecosystem.50 Trees have a
positive effect on above ground biodiversity by providing homes to bats, birds and bugs.51
Simultaneously, their regenerative effect on the topsoil also increases the biodiversity of the
soil microbiome.52 Collectively, the efforts of wineries such as Château Luchey-Halde have
been vastly beneficial to both their commercial interests and the broader environment.
Some producers, like Château Climens in Barsac, have completely forgone synthetic
chemicals all together. Since 2010, Château Climens swapped to biodynamic viticulture. 54
Berenice Lurton was responsible for their biodynamic drive and is known for her unique
tisannerie. The tisannerie is an attic where herbs from the vineyard are dried before being
made into mixtures to treat the vineyard in lieu of chemicals.55
The synthetic aversion of Château Climens contributed its recent sale to the Moitry family.
Jean-Hubert Moitry stated to the Wine Spectator that he chose Climens due to its status as an
44
(Alonso Ugaglia and Ouvrard, 2021).
45
(Alonso Ugaglia and Ouvrard, 2021).
46
(Chateau Luchey Halde, n.d.).
47
(Chateau Luchey Halde, n.d.).
48
(Tahon and Batt, 2021).
49
(Narby, 2022d).
50
(Bernhardt, Rosi and Gessner, 2017).
51
(Barrios et al., 2017).
52
(Marcos et al., 2008).
53
(Tahon and Batt, 2021).
54
(Marcos et al., 2008)
55
(Narby, 2020).
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“exceptional estate, with irreproachable characteristics and quality.” 56 Noting this, it’s evident
the choice to forgo synthetics had a positive impact on the commerciality of Château
Climens.
56
(Mustacich, 2022).
57
(Hay, 2021).
58
(Tahon and Batt, 2021).
59
(Boiling, 2019).
60
(Boiling, 2019).
61
(Tahon and Batt, 2021).
62
(Halmari, 2020).
63
(Halmari, 2020).
64
(Halmari, 2020).
65
(Halmari, 2020).
66
(Jules Lebègue, n.d.).
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V. Future measures
The future of Bordeaux has environmentally sustainable practices at the forefront. Many
producers have discussed their plans to improve upon their current adaptations and
implement more innovative measures. The following efforts are likely to be more widespread
in the run up to the 2030 goal.
Hervé Berland, the CEO of the famous classed growth Château Montrose, has discussed
aspirations to have a fleet of electric tractors to work the vineyard. These tractors would be
lighter and emit no carbon dioxide.67 Once implemented, it is likely many other producers
would follow suit.
Château Dauzac have begun to make a far simpler change: extra smooth maturation and
fermentation vessels. This simple decision allows for less water to be used in the cleaning
process, overall saving thousands of litres a year.68
Pomace, the leftover grape skins from pressing, is increasingly being composted and used to
nourish vineyards.69 Furthermore, due to its substantial fibre content, it can be utilised as
cattle feed.70 The grape seeds leftover from pressing are also being used to create grape seed
oil. This method of recycling not only helps the environment but provides wineries an extra
source of income.71 As the advantages of pomace become common knowledge, producers
beyond the biodynamic realm will begin utilising its many benefits.
More creative recycling ideas are also being used in the region. Château Smith Haute Lafite
redirected their pomace into the core products in a cosmetic company called Caudalie. 72 Here,
the pomace is being utilised for its antioxidant and resveratrol properties to create anti-aging
products. The result is a highly lucrative brand that utilises winemaking by-products in an
environmentally sustainable fashion.73 Noting the success of Caudalie, wineries are likely to
emulate Château Smith Haute Lafite in the future.
67
(Château Montrose, 2018).
68
(McCoy, 2020).
69
(Nistor et al., 2014).
70
(Nistor et al., 2014).
71
(Alley, 2009).
72
(Narby, 2022c).
73
(Narby, 2022c)
74
(Drappier et al., 2017).
75
(Drappier et al., 2017).
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a. Preventative measures
The Bordeaux region will continue being more environmentally proactive in an effort to
reduce its carbon footprint and hinder global climate change.84 Encouraging recyclable wine
bottles, choosing alternative packaging, employing agroforestry, attaining sustainable
certifications and reducing heavy machinery use are just some of the activities that will
increase in occurrence.85 Whilst many producers are forward thinking , such as the bottle
recycling Château Mauvesin Barton, others will need encouragement.86 Fortunately, the
market is actively demanding to have a positive environmental impact. Christophe Château,
head of communications at the CIVB, noted that price and quality are no longer the only
considerations for purchasers of wine. Now an additional question is relevant: is the purchase
“doing a good thing for the planet?”87 This consumer paradigm shift, combined with efforts
from the CIVB and CNCE, will encourage Bordeaux producers to place environmental
sustainability at the forefront.
b. Coping measures
Wineries are planning for the increasing temperature and adapting their viticultural and
winemaking techniques to preserve the expression of Bordeaux typicity. Some proposed, and
already implemented techniques include delaying pruning and reducing green thinning to
76
(Dai et al., 2011).
77
(Karl, 2003).
78
(Drappier et al., 2017).
79
(Drappier et al., 2017).
80
(Jones and Davis, 2000).
81
(Jones and Davis, 2000).
82
(IBB Online, n.d.)
83
(Kurmelovs, 2020).
84
(Badham, 2022).
85
(Tahon and Batt, 2021).
86
(Narby, 2022b).
87
(Badham, 2022).
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protect from the sun.88 Furthermore, many producers are harvesting at night and earlier in the
growing season to preserve acidity and freshness.89
At Château La Tour Carnet, warming cables are being used to heat sap flow and increase vine
growth. This project effectively mimics future temperatures in their vineyard.90 With these
simulated conditions, scientist Julien Lecourt has planted 84 trial varieties which will be
vinified discretely and then lab tested. The goal of the testing is to determine whether the
traditional Bordeaux varieties are truly under threat.91 Furthermore, the owner of Château La
Tour Carnet, Bernard Magrez, is also supporting academic efforts into tackling the problem.
In collaboration with the University of Bordeaux, a PhD scholarship is being offered to
vineyard adaptations to climate change.92 Collaborative efforts between producers and
academics demonstrate a promising future for Bordeaux wines.
Announced in early 2021, six new varieties for Bordeaux have been approved by the INAO
to help combat climate change. They varieties are: Touriga Nacional, Marselan, Castets,
Arinarnoa, Alvarinho and Liliorila.93 The new varieties were chosen for their naturally high
acidity and strong aromatics to help preserve the Bordeaux style with warming temperatures.
The INAO permits these grapes to make up 5% of total vineyard area and 10% of the final
wine blends for Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superior AOC. 94 These top-down measures will
stimulate innovative coping with climate change throughout the region.
Conclusion
Bordeaux is undergoing a renaissance of sustainability. Wineries have a plethora of
certification options to choose from and are making unique and commercially viable
adaptations for the future. Whilst global warming poses a threat to the region and its wines,
the proactive wineries and regulatory bodies aim to retain the Bordeaux terroir expression.
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