Every winter for the past two years, we've welcomed a flock of a dozen sheep to spend a few months at Clos Marey-Monge. This symbiosis between pastoralism and viticulture is arousing the curiosity and interest of our visitors. But why this unusual cohabitation?
An environmentally-friendly approach
At Château de Pommard, some of our team members are a bit unusual. For the past two years, we've welcomed lambs and ewes to graze on our grounds from November to March. Behind this amusing initiative lie serious reasons, combining respect for the environment, quality of the terroir, and preservation of biodiversity.
Jean-Rémi, our Vineyard Manager, explains: “The sheep graze the grass, resulting in gentle mowing. This also makes it easier to work the soil again.” It is an eco-friendly way to limit our dependence on mechanical equipment, in line with our perpetual aim to reduce our carbon footprint.
These funny beasts also enrich the soil with organic matter. Jean-Rémi adds: "While the organic matter is already present in the vineyard, it is transformed by the animal and will thus be more easily absorbed by the soil."
In addition to benefiting the soil and the vines, our sheep also bring joy to our team and customers who love these animals. While tasting at the Château, you can enjoy watching them frolicking between the rows.
Working in harmony with Nature
Truly convinced of the positive effects of viti-pastoralism on the vines, Jean-Rémi implemented this practice as soon as he joined Château de Pommard in 2022.
Adding animals to our vineyards allows a symbiosis of nature and culture. I'm convinced that the vines feel it and that it brings them good energy," he declares.
Our sheep are all Charollais crossbreeds, a local species well adapted to the climate and vegetation.
Working with local partners
We work with a local shepherd who looks for pasture during the winter. So we lend him a plot in the Clos Marey-Monge where the ewes will spend the season. We welcome them in the fall once the leaves have fallen. They return to the meadow in spring because they find the buds that burst from the vine irresistible and tend to munch them.
With the arrival of spring, our sheep from this year have just left. While we'll miss seeing them playing and frolicking between our rows, we look forward to welcoming them back in November!