Anne Collard’s blog

Biodynamics: a respectful approach to our vines

Biodynamic agriculture sometimes raises questions about its practices, origins and effectiveness. Find out how I integrate this approach into the treatment of my Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages vines, and how it contributes to the quality of my wines.

Generally speaking, biodynamic viticulture consists of using only natural inputs, in the treatment of plantations, vines and so on. It also takes into account the influence of the solar and lunar stars in the preparation of these inputs and in their effectiveness. The Austrian polygraph Rudolf Steiner first mentioned this fundamental principle in 1924.

A number of certifications today highlight the biodynamic techniques used in wineries, farms and so on. These include the Demeter label, which complements official organic regulations and incorporates demanding specifications for biodynamic practices. Vignoble Anne Collard is in the process of acquiring this label, with official certification starting with the 2022 vintage.

How is biodynamic viticulture practiced in the vineyard?

Biodynamic viticulture takes into account the vine's place in its vast and mysterious environment. However, it is based on concrete practices both in the vineyard and in the winery. It guides us in an approach that consists of letting the plant live and express itself, then the fruit and yeasts once in the cellar. Above all, biodynamic viticulture encourages us to be attentive and careful at every stage, with each plot and each cuvée representing a fragile, living balance.

In the vineyard, I use specific plants- and mineral-based preparations. They are applied to the vines according to the cycles that mark the life of the earth, and especially the cycle of the stars. The aim is to reinforce the vitality of the soil and plants, thus promoting the overall health of the plots, right down to the microbiological level. My son Romain is very involved in this long-term work, which sometimes requires him to rise and set to the rhythm of the moon. Furthermore, my sensitivity to landscape identity and biodiversity adds a new dimension to my responsibility as a winemaker. It extends to the territory, to the vineyard's landscape and environmental identity.

François, my husband, supports me in the cellar with all his expertise. Each vat, each barrel, requires individual attention to ensure that the wine is an authentic reflection of our terroir. The minimalist use of sulphites stems simply from the desire to preserve the purity of flavors, but also implies constant monitoring.

Which difference between organic and biodynamic agriculture?

This holistic approach doesn't stop there: it considers the vine as part of a wider ecosystem. In comparison, the work we do in organic farming, which we also integrate, focuses on the abandonment of synthetic chemicals. Both approaches share a respect for biodiversity and soil life. However, biodynamics goes further by introducing specific practices linked to cosmic influences. Biodynamic viticulture thus complements organic viticulture as a way of caring for our land and fully expressing the character of our grapes. In fact, the vines are more resilient in the face of new climatic conditions.

Each harvest season is a different story. Hours spent scrutinizing the vines, sensing the nuances of the vintage, adjusting our practices. More life means more movement, more energy, which must then be channeled in the gentlest way possible, right up to bottling.

By tasting my wines, I invite you to taste the outcome of this delicate labor. Behind each bottle lies a painstaking effort, unsuspected by the uninitiated. A story that unfolds slowly, in phase with the seasons, under the discreet gaze of the moon.