Meet our unique team: our horses

In 2019, we welcomed some unique members to our team who play an essential role in the winemaking process. Learn more about our horse team in this article and discover how these special companions contribute to the making of our wines.

A collaboration between people and animals

Our horse team is supervised by Manu, who has been with us for 5 years. He is assisted by Alexandra, who joined us more recently, and Jonathan. Together, they look after our five gorgeous Comtois with very distinct personalities.

Rasta and Ruby are our favorite seniors and are in their final work season before enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Calinette and Vanille turned 9 this year. Idôle and Keops, both 4 years old, are still in training and will start working in the vineyards next year.

Working the soils in Clos Marey-Monge

Every day, Manu and Alexandra take care of our horses’ well-being, maintenance, and training. Our small herd spends most of the winter frolicking in the meadow. At the end of winter, the plowing season begins with the stripping stage. 

Manu explains: “This is a tillage that is carried out over several months using a plow that passes between the vines. The goal is to bring the soil below the vines back to the center of the row. It is a delicate and essential process for the good development of the vine. We try to leave as many good plants in the rows in order to allow the development of organic matter which contributes to the growth of the vines.”

Then, it’s time to start the scratching phase. The horses pass between the rows with claws to remobilize the earth between the rows and flatten the ground.

Lastly, once the harvest is over, we hand-sow our green manures in some of our rows with the help of our horses.

The benefits of horse-drawn work

This dream team enables us to plow a section of the Clos without using tractors. Animal traction also ensures that the soil is not compacted, thus promoting the circulation of water and air.

Jean-Rémi, Vineyard Manager, adds: “The presence of animals in our vineyard also allows for a natural symbiosis, creating a favorable environment for the growth of the vines.”

By working closely with Nature, we are committed not only to preserving the quality of our Clos Marey-Monge vines, but also to safeguarding the vineyard for future generations.