Young berries	Merlot	Muscat	Chardonnay	Sauv. Blanc
Merlot	Grenache	Cab. Sauv.	Syrah	Baby Mouvedre

New Plantation Project 2005 - 2007.

Map of vineyards with colour coded varieties

Vineyard Pictures

Vineyards: General

The total surface area of Domaine de Sainte Rose is 50 hectares. The vineyards cover a total of 48 hectares, (118 acres), with planted vineyards amounting to 33 hectares, (80 acres).  The vineyards spread from the clay/limestone soils found along the banks of the River Thongue up onto the gravelly schist soils of the plateau.  The terroir is all classified as Vin de Pays (VDP) and this is reflected in the grape varieties grown.  Due to the situation of the Domaine beside the River Thongue, wine produced can be classified as either Vin de Pays d’Oc or Vin de Pays des Cotes de Thongue.

From the first year they managed the pruning of the vines (2003), the Simpsons have made qualitative changes that have reduced the yields produced and allowed each variety to grow more effectively.  Not only do they prune more severely than the previous owner of the Domaine (who had been pushing the vines to produce very high yields), but they changed the style of pruning according to each grape variety found on the Domaine.  For example, the Merlot vines were changed from 'Guyot' (one main branch on the vine), to 'Cordon Royat' (two branches, one on either side of the main root).  This has resulted in the Merlot now producing more balanced and expressive fruit.

Other improvements in the vineyard include upgrading of all the trellising (posts and wires). The wires now used are made of a highly flexible plastic, called Deltex, which allows better support and control of the canopy as the vine grows. The wires are lifted as the vine grows and allow greater aeration of the developing bunches and more exposure to sunlight.  This in turn creates a more homogenous maturity cycle and less risk of rot setting in if there is a wet vintage.  Wooden posts have been the material of choice for the new plantation on the Domaine, being the natural and more sustainable product available.

Weed control is also an essential part of farming the vines. At use of herbicide at Sainte Rose has been gradually reduced, thus weed control in between the vines is achieved using a 'side hoe' or 'interceptor' attached to the tractor.  This breaks down the weeds in a much more environmentally friendly fashion.  In an attempt to retain organic material in the soil the space between the rows of vines tends to be mowed rather than ploughed. This grass also provides the vines on the deep-soiled, riverside area of the Domaine with some healthy competition and prevents the vines from growing too vigorously.

The Simpsons have pulled up a total of 18 hectares and have replanted ten hectares.  This has increased the range of varieties grown on the Domaine.  This replanting process started in 2005 with plantings of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat (Petit Graines), and was completed in 2007 adding Petit Verdot, Mourvedre, Marsanne and more Syrah.

Control of the grape yield is important to ensure high quality, concentrated fruit.  There are several ways to achieve this, starting with the variety specific pruning that has already been addressed.  When the growing season begins the next step in controlling the yield is the process of ‘ébourgeonnage’ or ‘de-budding’.  This process reduces the number of bunches that develop on each vine.  Later in the growing season if there are still too many bunches of grapes on the vine to allow proper maturity and concentration the vines will need to be green harvested.  This involves cutting the excess bunches of grapes from the vine to allow those bunches that remain to reach full maturity.  The yields on the Domaine generally range between 35 and 60 hectolitres per hectare.  These figures contrast significantly with the VDP terroir maximum of 80 hectolitres per hectare. The Sainte Rose figures are therefore much lower than the average yields taken in the area.

The Simpsons have a full time farm manager (Marc De Fays) and a well-respected local Viticultural Consultant who advises and directs the work in the vines. For the large, labour-intensive tasks such as pruning and ébourgeonnage a viticultural team of workers are contracted for a set period.
 

Varieties of Domaine Sainte Rose:

More Information:

Vineyard Pictures

French Classification System Explained

Languedoc Reputation