2. The chapel & the plant cover - Lafon Rochet

The chapel

& the plant cover

The part historically called “the Chapel” is composed of plots n°6,7,8,9. These Cabernets Sauvignons represent an area of 2,18 hectares (4,94 acres). Emblematic of the Médoc, this grape variety accounts for a large part of our blend (about 70% of these last 5 vintages).

The Cabernet sauvignon dominates in the Médoc appellations, where the wines produced are rich and complex. This grape variety ripens well on the gravel-sandy rumps however the tradition shows that the Merlot gives better results on clay soils of outcrops and low slopes.

Even if today our knowledge regarding the role of the soil in the intrinsic quality of wines remains empirical, it’s impossible to deny the “varietal vocation” of our terroirs.

The terroir is not explained only by the notion of soil, it includes all the factors influencing the ripeness of the grapes. Among other things, the human factor and its impact on the control system, as well as the control of the plant, but also the climatic factors will raise up the aromatic and structural richness of the wines produced in our plots.

2. The chapel & the plant cover - Lafon Rochet

The vegetation covers

Since 2020 we have embarked on a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach (Agroecology). This implies a change in our cultural practices. One of these steps is the introduction of vegetation covers on our plots.

The interest of covering our plots with vegetation is to improve the quality of our soils, their bearing capacity as well as to offer favorable conditions for the biodiversity development. There are two types of vegetation cover: natural vegetation cover and seeded vegetation cover. The plot facing you benefits from the latter usually sown in autumn.

There are several herbaceous families and species, three of which are of particular interest to us:

  • Leguminous plants: they provide natural nitrogen fertilization to our soils. Here are some examples: clover, beans, peas, vetch, etc.
  • Grasses (cereals): at the last stage of development, they dry and turn into harder, fibrous substance (straw). This so-called “carbon” substance will allow the soil and wildlife it contains to feed and improve its richness. You probably know some of them: wheat, oats, rye, buckwheat, etc.
  • Cruciferous soils : the main function of cruciferous soils is the decomposition of soils in depth. This allows insects and water to move freely through the soil. We sometimes consume certain varieties of them: mustard, radish, rapeseed, etc.
2. The chapel & the plant cover - Lafon Rochet
2. The chapel & the plant cover - Lafon Rochet
2. The chapel & the plant cover - Lafon Rochet
2. The chapel & the plant cover - Lafon Rochet