3. Plot n°10: Merlots of first wine planted on a rich terroir - Lafon Rochet

Plot n°10 :

Merlots of first wine planted on a rich terroir

This plot of almost 2 hectares of Merlot was planted in 1984. It’s composed of Merlot grafted on “3309 Couderc”*, this rootstock is specifically well suited to this type of terroir.

The “gravelly brown soils” present here on the upper part of the plot are characteristic of the southern slope of the Lafon-Rochet plateau. These soils have limited capacity to retain mineral elements but are however concentrated in important elements such as Magnesium or Potassium.

On this type of gravelly soil with low organic matter on the surface, the vine is forced to root very deeply to limit its water stress.

The plots made of “gravelly brown soils” represent about 1/3 of the property and are also suitable for a qualitative production of Merlots as Cabernets Sauvignon or Franc.

 

* The Couderc 3309, or abbreviated to 3309 C, is a variety created to serve as a rootstock for the vine.

3. Plot n°10: Merlots of first wine planted on a rich terroir - Lafon Rochet

For us, the soil survey is essential in the understanding of terroirs, their ability to retain mineral elements but also water. It’s the characteristics of each of them that will drive our choices regarding grape varieties, rootstocks but also driving techniques.

As seen previously in QR code n°2, the choices of vegetation cover also differ depending on the difficulties we encounter on each plot:

  • On the clayey plots we will seek to limit the water above the ground and strengthen the bearing capacity.
  • On the contrary, on the more draining and poorer plots, we will try instead to improve the water retention and mineral elements but we will also stimulate the soil biology, often eroded by mechanized work.
3. Plot n°10: Merlots of first wine planted on a rich terroir - Lafon Rochet
3. Plot n°10: Merlots of first wine planted on a rich terroir - Lafon Rochet