Biodynamic growing

Since 1895, four generations of winemakers with the same artisan-winemaking spirit have succeeded one another.

Cazes has always been an innovative producer, who has taken a constantly pioneering approach in the Roussillon.

Here, skilled and dedicated men and women perpetually strive for excellence, using their perfect mastery of each of their niche terroirs to bring out their very best in the wines.

The ​​220 hectare domaine has been entirely managed according to biodynamic principles for 20 years.  A pioneer in the field and considered to be a driving force within the French wine industry, Domaine Cazes’ work is founded on a complete harmony between the grape varieties, the climate, the flora and fauna, the land and the men and women who work it.

Domaine Cazes did not get into organic growing due to an ecological vocation or for marketing reasons, it simply used its “farmer’s wisdom” to ''work with nature in a terroir that we want to see live, express and sustain itself”. Emmanuel Cazes.

Biodynamics is a cultivation method founded in 1924 and inspired by the work of German philosopher, Rudolf Steiner. It focuses on prevention and on enhancing the soil and the plants in their natural environment.

In biodynamic growing, the vineyards are considered to be a living organism. Biodynamic practices aim to strengthen the unity, balance and resistance of this organism, and thus create harmonious living conditions between the earth, the heavens, the plant and its entire ecosystem.

Biodynamic growing creates vines that are naturally more resistant. The vine adapts to its environment and is better able to cope with the stress caused by adverse weather conditions and diseases. The effects of this growing method can be seen in the soil, which becomes loose, dark, rich in life and organic matter. It is therefore easier to work in order to combat drought.

250 nesting boxes have been set up in the vineyards

The populations of bats and insectivorous birds and raptors that nest here are particularly useful for the protection of the vines because they feed on insects harmful to the vine.

Mating couples of Rollers, migratory birds, have increased eightfold in just six years.

Fully mature grapes, balanced and homogeneous. Their thick skin are loaded with silky tannin and mingled with strong olfactory aromas, their acidity, stronger than average brings out its freshness and intensity.

Biodynamic growing respects all the principles of organic growing as well as four main principles: biodynamic preparations, “dynamization”, respect for the cosmic rhythms and the maintenance of a living organism around the vine.

Biodynamic growing is particularly relevant for viticulture where the living terroir is reflected in the grapes and thus in the wine.

Horn manure (preparation 500) promotes soil life and helps the roots’ growth. The vine develops a deep, dense rooting system, giving it greater resistance in dry periods and  stronger anchoring in the earth.

Horn silica (preparation 501) is used on the aerial part of the vine. It makes it more resistant to diseases and improves the ripening of the grape berries.

Compost is produced by fermentation, i.e., a transformation of organic material by microorganisms.

It improves microbial life, enhancing its quality and vitality, thereby building up the vines’ natural resistance.