Location and soil are two essential factors for successful viticulture. The vineyard is situated in the Appalachian foothills and lies both on rocky slopes covered with weathered rock (deposits resulting directly from the disintegration of metamorphic dolomitic slate) and in amphitheater-like depressions lined with stony, silty-clayey till (glacial deposit). The sandy-gravelly surface is the result of coastal erosion from the Champlain Sea. A pond was dug in 1993 and acts as a thermal regulator, providing habitat for snapping turtles, Canada geese during their migration, a passing heron, and a few ducks. We have installed swallow nests and a bat hotel. These insectivores help to control harmful insects; we do not use insecticides. Strips of flowers, chosen for their blooming from spring to autumn, and shrubs have been created to benefit pollinating insects. Biodiversity and agroforestry are therefore central to our agricultural practices.
For more information: vignoblelardennais.ca