Complantation: the art of cultivating biodiversity in the heart of vineyards
What is Complantation and where does it come from ?
Plantation is a bit like the patchwork of viticulture: it consists of planting several grape varieties on the same plot. Formerly a common practice before the standardization of varieties, it dates back to Antiquity. The idea was simple but brilliant: diversify the vines to ensure yields even when Mother Nature played tricks.
Why is Plantation a Response to Climate Change ?
In a context of climate change, planting stands out for its ability to strengthen the resilience of vineyards. By diversifying the grape varieties, this practice promotes better adaptation to climatic variations and diseases. Each grape variety having different tolerances to heat, drought or parasitic attacks, the biodiversity present in a planted plot becomes a real ally. This method also makes it possible to better balance the maturity of the berries, ensuring more harmonious harvests.
La Complantation: A Philosophy centered on the Terroir
Complantation embodies a philosophy centered on the expression of the terroir rather than that of individual grape varieties. By promoting plant diversity, it transforms the vine into an ecosystem where each grape variety contributes to the general balance, without dominating. This approach highlights the interaction between the soil, the climate and the know-how of the winemaker, offering wines of unique complexity that reflect the singularity of their origin.
Where can we find planted vines in France ?
Some French regions have never abandoned this beautiful tradition :
• In Alsace, Grands Crus like Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf make it possible to plant several noble grape varieties.
• In the Rhône Valley, several appellations allow planting. Thus in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, up to 13 grape varieties can share the same plot. Côte-Rôtie also skillfully mixes Syrah and Viognier.
• Other terroirs such as those of Jura and Savoie also give pride of place to planting, proving that this method still makes sense.
Complantation Around the World
Complantation isn’t just French! Several countries pay tribute to him:
• As for Italian wines: In Valpolicella, the Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grape varieties often grow side by side.
• Spanish wines are not left out: for example, Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines still have planted plots.
• In Portugal: In the Douro, we are treated to a festival of grape varieties like Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz.
• In Austria and Germany: Historic vineyards where planting continues to produce wines with strong character.
Complantation is a bit like rediscovering an old treasure. It is both a modern solution to adapt to climate change and a tribute to the know-how of the past. Diversity, aromatic complexity and love of the terroir: welcome to the fascinating world of complantation!
Plantation is a bit like the patchwork of viticulture: it consists of planting several grape varieties on the same plot. Formerly a common practice before the standardization of varieties, it dates back to Antiquity. The idea was simple but brilliant: diversify the vines to ensure yields even when Mother Nature played tricks.
Why is Plantation a Response to Climate Change ?
In a context of climate change, planting stands out for its ability to strengthen the resilience of vineyards. By diversifying the grape varieties, this practice promotes better adaptation to climatic variations and diseases. Each grape variety having different tolerances to heat, drought or parasitic attacks, the biodiversity present in a planted plot becomes a real ally. This method also makes it possible to better balance the maturity of the berries, ensuring more harmonious harvests.
La Complantation: A Philosophy centered on the Terroir
Complantation embodies a philosophy centered on the expression of the terroir rather than that of individual grape varieties. By promoting plant diversity, it transforms the vine into an ecosystem where each grape variety contributes to the general balance, without dominating. This approach highlights the interaction between the soil, the climate and the know-how of the winemaker, offering wines of unique complexity that reflect the singularity of their origin.
Where can we find planted vines in France ?
Some French regions have never abandoned this beautiful tradition :
• In Alsace, Grands Crus like Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf make it possible to plant several noble grape varieties.
• In the Rhône Valley, several appellations allow planting. Thus in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, up to 13 grape varieties can share the same plot. Côte-Rôtie also skillfully mixes Syrah and Viognier.
• Other terroirs such as those of Jura and Savoie also give pride of place to planting, proving that this method still makes sense.
Complantation Around the World
Complantation isn’t just French! Several countries pay tribute to him:
• As for Italian wines: In Valpolicella, the Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grape varieties often grow side by side.
• Spanish wines are not left out: for example, Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines still have planted plots.
• In Portugal: In the Douro, we are treated to a festival of grape varieties like Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz.
• In Austria and Germany: Historic vineyards where planting continues to produce wines with strong character.
Complantation is a bit like rediscovering an old treasure. It is both a modern solution to adapt to climate change and a tribute to the know-how of the past. Diversity, aromatic complexity and love of the terroir: welcome to the fascinating world of complantation!