The reseach station is one of many in France. Part finder by the state and part by industry, they are looking at a number of vine growing issues.

How reduce the inputs to make vine growing more efficient.

How to to control pests and disease’s

Come up with new varieties of vines.

The picture below is where the rootstock was grafted onto experimental variety that did not work, they then grafted a second varietal onto the rootstock as that was already established.

When it comes to disease resistant they have found the 4 genes that relate to issues with mildrew and have bred a variety that is resistant. They are now trying to cross this with a varietal that actually has taste, as the original is very neutral. They tried GM vines but they found that these were sabotaged, people did not like them being grown and tried out.

One of the main areas they are looking at is how to reduce the inputs to make vine growing more efficient. This includes different mulching and if you should replace individual vines in rows that have died, probably not.

The bags are where they have hand pollinated disease resistant and taste verietals. These are white varietal ones because the red varietal are done in Bordeaux.

Plastic around the base of the vine is where they have grafted a new cane (branch) onto the European top to create a new cane where one has died, the plastic is there to protect the new cane.

The white strips on the vines are anti hale netting, they’ve not had hale yet.

Also looking at trying to set up eco system that will help look after the vines from powdery mildew by planting vegetation that has have the mildrew and the predators of powdery mildew they hope these established predators will help the vine.

Their sparkling wine is made from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cab Franc. It is made from grapes grown at the research station at a local co operative. There are aroma’s and flavours of peach, green apple, lemon and with high acidity.

Chateau De Fesles.

whites included – Chenin Sec 2016. Aromas of melon and lemon with freshness and mineral notes. Light creaminess to the taste with slight vanilla coming through. The fresh acidity helps mask the 13.5% alcohol. Easy drinking summer wine.

The 2012 version has honey notes and a smoky Oak undertone. The acidity is there there but it’s masked by the honey and not to my taste.

Rose Anjou 2018. Aromas of strawberry raspberry, red fruit and bubblegum. The only downside is this is a sweeter wine and that really comes through. Love the smell, just  couldn’t drink lots of this.