Clairette, 2022

Puimisson is a Languedoc village situated a few kilometres from Béziers, with its Mediterranean climate. From the south, the sea brings wind and humidity... From the north the mountains bring freshness... The Domaine has been certified organic since 1987, when we decided that we wanted to show the possibilities of growing vines without chemicals. In 1987, nobody was speaking of Mad Cow Disease, care for the environment was scarce and it required an act of great courage to follow the organic route. 30 years ago the Domaine was made up of more than 20ha and produced an average of 1800hl each year. Today it only has 13 ha under vine producing an average of 500hl. Organic certification is all very well but nothing is more important than the degree of confidence created between a consumer and a vigneron. Visiting, talking, explaining, tasting, …. In a word understanding before sharing.... Our vineyard extends over a dozen hectares of a variety of terroirs. Puimisson is made up of a mosaic of soils and subsoils. The majority are clay-limestone with more or less clay, some veins of villafranchien gravel, marl ... All of our vines have been cultivated organically since 1987, long before it was fashionable to do so. We can guarantee that all the soils of the domaine have seen no chemical fertilisers, nor any synthetic products for more than 28 years. The management of the vineyard is rigorous whilst fully respecting the plants and the soils. Ploughing, necessary for clay soils, is limited to ensure that the soil does not become compacted. In Spring, every vine stock is hoed manually. We cut back the vines only when we consider it necessary and after they have finished budding. As regards treatments, we limit any interventions whilst not hesitating to use plant based composts and preparations as well as other natural products. To grow vines organically involves working with ones envronment. We started work on improving the environment of our vineyards ten years ago. Our vines which were too compromised by the surrounding environment of conventionally grown vines have been grubbed up and replaced with olive trees. Where we have maintained vines we have planted hedges, bushes and trees to protect them : Creating buffer zones which form a barrier to run off waters, erosion and water pollution ; Creating a habitat for biodiversity, plants and animals so reducing chemical treatments ; Creating a mosaic in the landscape, protecting it from the monoculture and uniformity of neighbouring parcels ; Limiting the risks of erosion near streams. Over time we have planted more than a thousand trees, bushes and olive trees. And we continue to plant more every year.