Interview with Jérôme Loisy,
Cellar Master at Le Petit Coteau estate.



How do you manage the estate's vineyards?

“Here at Le Petit Coteau, the vines are grassed and we follow the specifications of Organic Farming. The parcels are ploughed and we do not use any herbicide or insecticide. The aim is to respect the local flora and fauna.
There are lots of flowers in between the rows during the spring and summer, such as buttercups and poppies. To protect the vine plants from parasites, we use a procedure known as “sexual confusion”. This involves attaching capsules to the vines that release a natural hormone that disturbs the sexual behavior of the butterflies that cause certain diseases.
Finally, in order to protect our vines from diseases, we use small amounts of copper and sulfur”.


How does Organic Farming contribute to the typicity of the wines?

“From managing the vines to vinification, everything is as natural as possible and there is real interplay between the vine and the wine, that is indisputable! In our wines, the expression of terroir is more emphasized; these wines have character and more personality. There is what I call depth, and very distinctive aromas.
We reduce the doses of sulfur to 1/3 of the authorized maximum set for regular wines for preservation, vinification is therefore as natural as possible.
At the estate, we make straightforward wines where the farming technique and terroir express itself fully. All this is possible though careful vigilance with regard to the vagaries of the weather, personal commitment and flawless teamwork”.