GG_N53_PORT_Complet-web_V2

CREATED BY MIGUEL’S DAD,
JEAN-PIERRE, THE NOVATECH
LABORATORY ALLOWS THE PRESENT-
DAY MERCIER GROUP TO STAND AT THE
CUTTING EDGE OF TECHNOLOGY
EACH ROW OF VINES IN THIS
CUTTING-EDGE PROGRAMME
IS IDENTIFIED WITH THE
UTMOST PRECISION
context. In conservation centres, vines which may have been abandoned because they did
not have the requisite qualities at the time but now do – they may produce lower alcohol
levels for instance – are being sought out. These populations contain huge genetic diversity
which has not necessarily been thoroughly scrutinised. This is a long-winded process
but it could pay off.
G&G: One major issue with planting involves the roots – should they be long
or short? What is the right option?
M.M.: I’d have a tendency to answer – they’re both right! The truth is that the discussion
over the type of roots should not overshadow the vital issue of soil preparation. The quality
of the plant is important but no more so than the other pivotal component – the soil. It
must be pliable and oxygenated with organic material inputs. Coming back to the roots,
the most important aspect in the equation is the type of planting chosen and allowing
the vines to establish a good root system. In years gone by in Spain, for example, demand
focused on very long roots because they made huge holes and winegrowers wanted vines
to retain their root integrity as much as possible. Now, use of planting machines is very
widespread and with long roots, the machines tend to plant them all on the same side due
to the way they move. So to avoid this, it was decided to shorten the roots. For planting by
hand, using a fork or a spade, the roots are often cut to 1 to 2 cm in France. Gradually, the
norm over the past few years has become 8 cm of roots due to the development of planting
machines. But again, it all depends on the type of planting chosen.
AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
67