For several years now, Angélus has been fully committed to sustainable vine-growing practices and to increasing its range of viticultural methods. In line with this undertaking, our teams have been seeding different plant species in the vineyard, and this year common vetch, green pea and secale sylvestre have been sown in inter-rows that are usually ploughed.  Commonly used in vine-growing, seeds are an additional agronomic lever supporting the work carried out by our vineyard crew throughout the year.

During spring, seeds serve as a cover crop, growing over the inter-row area. The choice of seeds making up this cover crop plays an important role in the vine cycle. Common vetch and green pea enable nitrogen in the soils to be better fixed, making it usable by the vines and thereby reducing the amount of inputs used. The rooting system of the secale sylvestre structures the soils. Our plots therefore benefit from a better load capacity, greater natural aeration, as well as enhanced bio-diversity.  When the seeds have grown too high, the cover crop enables the addition of organic matter through mowing or mulching, thus reducing evaporation in the event of hot weather.

Taking these environmental considerations one step further, our teams have been trialling more specifically the direct seeding method. Rarely used in our region, this method allows the seeds to be sown into the soils without the use of ploughs, which would have the effect of disturbing the organisation of living matter in these soils. This method helps to conserve and develop the rooting system acquired over the season within the inter-row, while avoiding dips in the soil surface or early erosions. In carrying out these different practices, Angélus is continuing to reintroduce plant species within its vine-growing environment and helping to ensure the longevity of its terroirs.