Currently undergoing restoration, Château de La Chaize continues its development with utmost respect for nature, and the ever-present objective of an ambitious and sustainable ecological approach.

Covering more than 330 hectares (815 acres), including 285 hectares (704 acres) of contiguous land, the estate’s vineyards boast a production potential of 140 hectares (346 acres). La Chaize’s unique setting - a veritable showcase - allows for the establishment of vineyard management practices that promote soil life, diversity of vegetation, and the perennity of animal species. Each contributes to the balance and abundance of this ecosystem. The forests and fields surrounding the estate create a natural barrier that protects the vines and enables the biotopes to be managed in such a way that the quintessence of these protected vineyards shines through in the wines.

When Boris Gruy, Estate Manager, took over the reins of the wine-producing Château in 2017, he tackled the extensive project of obtaining “High Environmental Value” (HEV) certification from the French Ministry of Agriculture and of converting the totality of the vineyards over to organic viticulture, the first step on the path to his ultimate goal - biodynamic viticulture. In fact, an agronomic engineer – an oenologist who specializes in environmental issues - has recently joined the estate’s team.

After undertaking numerous initiatives (agroforestry, the planting of hedges, trees, etc.), La Chaize has obtained HEV certification, which recognizes the estate’s commitment to ecological responsibility.

“These are exceptional vineyards! They benefit from truly outstanding growing conditions: southeastern exposure for the majority of the plots, high-quality granite and diorite-rich soils, a privileged location on steep slopes (up to 45%) with a 200-meter (656-foot) difference in altitude between the highest and lowest rows of vines, and the estate’s 150 hectares (370 acres) of woods that create a natural protective barrier and contribute to the equilibrium of the ecosystem. Knowing the precise origin of the grapes enables us to adapt the winemaking process for each plot, allowing our cuvées to showcase the best they have to offer”, emphasizes Boris Gruy.

WHAT IS FRANCE’S HEV CERTIFICATION?

High Environmental Value (HEV) certification officially recognizes the environmentally responsible steps undertaken by an agricultural or viticultural operation in France. It is a voluntary initiative, based on 4 environmental themes determined by the French Ministry of Agriculture:

•  Conservation of biodiversity

•  Pest management strategy

•  Fertilizer use

•  Water resource management

To date, only 1,900 winegrowing operations in France are HEV certified, which represents slightly more than 3% of all winegrowing operations (source: agriculture.gouv.fr).

WHAT NOW?

The second step - the restructuring of the vineyards and their conversion to organic, and eventually biodynamic, viticulture – will take approximately ten years. Some of the oldest vines, which were planted as far back as the end of the 19^th century, will be preserved, while others will be replaced where necessary.

In addition to HEV certification, the transition to organic, and later on to biodynamic viticulture will reinforce all of the environmental objectives that were set when the wine-producing Château was acquired, in order to continue to be able to offer quality wines with assertive character that are reflections of their terroir.