Our vineyard is considered a farm organism, an ecosystem full of life where we work hand in hand with it. We respect the natural cycle of the vines throughout the year, improving their characteristics and achieving grapes and wine of the highest quality.
Biodynamics is a centuries-old practice. The term came into use in the 1920s by the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Biodynamic agriculture is based on how astrology influences agricultural production.
Planting, pruning and harvesting are regulated by the biodynamic calendar. The biodynamic calendar was originally created by the highest representative of biodynamics, Maria Thun, who divided the days into four categories. This calendar matches the four elements, earth, fire, air and water, which have been used since before Plato. These are the recommended guidelines:
Day categories:
- Fruit: The plant’s activity is centred on the production of fruit.
- Root: The plant boosts root activity.
- Flower: The activity focuses on flowers.
- Leaf: The vines give priority to the leaves.
How does the Moon affect the vineyard?
- New moon: Plant activity is concentrated in the roots.
- Crescent moon: The activity ascends and concentrates on the stems and canes.
- Full moon: The activity is concentrated on branches, shoots and grapes.
- Waning moon: Activity descends back to the stems.
Compost in biodynamics
In biodynamic agriculture, as in organic farming, no chemicals are allowed. Therefore, natural preparations are made to strengthen the vineyards:
The preparation 500 is obtained by filling cow horns with cow manure in the soil during autumn and leaving them to ferment during the winter. In spring they are dug up and the filling is distributed throughout the vineyard, diluted in water. This preparation is directed to the soil and the roots of the plants.
Another famous preparation is 501, a silica preparation. In the summer season the horns are buried with a quartz crystal. This preparation is complementary to 500 and is good for the structure of the plant and its development.
As mentioned above, biodynamic agriculture works in harmony with the ecosystem to persevere and protect the diversity of species. The vineyard is a living, self-sufficient organism in which soil, plants and animals live in harmony.
