Louis Latour Agencies

Sustainability and Environmental Management

We take sustainability and the environment very seriously, which is why we’re pleased to work with so many great producers that make the environment and their surroundings their number one priority. We aim to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, ensuring our producers adhere to environmentally sound production methods in reducing our carbon footprint.

• Biodynamics
• ISO 14001 environmental management system
• Organic Viticulture
• Regenerative agriculture
• Use of sustainable packaging solutions
• Reduced carbon emissions through environmentally conscious methods

The image is courtesy of McHenry Hohnen.

Biodynamics

Biodynamic agriculture was introduced by scientist and philosopher Rudolph Steiner in 1924 who pioneered the holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to land management as well as the perspective of the farm as a self-sustaining, biologically diverse organism. It treats soil fertility, plant growth and livestock as interrelated, offering mystical perspectives in healing and regenerating the land without the use of chemicals. A biodynamic vineyard should be treated as an ecosystem, taking into account the astrological influences and lunar cycles.

Over time, methods and preparations create deeper topsoil, increase root mass and depth, increase carbon capture and water holding capacity of soils - thereby improving plant health and dramatically improving the plant's resistance to pests and disease.

Please see here for more information www.biodynamics.com

ISO 14001 Environmental Management System

ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. It helps organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, gaining a competitive advantage and the trust of stakeholders.

 

Organic Viticulture

Defined by European regulation CE 2092/91 of 24 June 1991, which requires: 1) The activity be certified by the departmental authority for agriculture and forests. 2) Grapes be cultivated using no synthetic chemical products. 3) Organic farming principles be applied for three entire seasons before the ‘wine produced from organically grown grapes’ claim is used. 4) The winemaker be certified by an organisation that has been approved by the Ministry of Agriculture.
 

Regenerative Agriculture

Is based on the principle of conserving and rehabilitating the approach to food and farming systems. It focuses on regenerating soils, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, and enhancing the overall ecosystem. In general, it’s designed to create minimal soil disturbance and improve the well-being of the land.

This approach is favoured by Steve Smith MW of Pyramid Valley

Maison Louis Latour

• ISO 14001 Environmental Management systems certified since 2003.
• High Environmental Value Level 3 certified (Biodiversity, Phytosanitary strategy, and water usage).
• Organic philosophy – no insecticides, herbicides or chemical fertilisers.
• A pursuit of organic methods without certification
• Ethical practices in preserving soils, minimal intervention, and use of fallow land.

Vineyards are allowed to lie fallow to reduce stress caused by prolonged agricultural use. This also regenerates and re-oxygenates the soil. They plant clover, rapeseed or mustard seeds to help restore nutrients and mitigate significant erosion that can occur if these vineyards are left unplanted.

• The objective is to reinforce the ecosystem’s biodiversity and value landscape authenticity.
• The association embodies a new aspect of sustainable growth, which is cooperation and solidarity between parties.

Examples:

Traditional ploughing with horses and interplanting with grasses and wildflowers for young vines on steep slopes, to help prevent soil erosion.

Mulching of vineyard cuttings to create natural compost. 

Introduction of beehives in the vineyards of Corton, increasing the area’s biodiversity.

Maison Louis Latour is one of the pioneering members of a foundation to re-establish lost clonal diversity and, particularly in Pinot Noir, in their vineyards.  The foundation has their own vine nursery with 600 strains of Pinot Noir and 400 strains of Chardonnay.  Clonal diversity is important for the health of the local ecosystem.

• The ‘Paysage de Corton’ association was founded under the initiative of Louis Latour and other winegrowers.

Maison Louis Latour have monitored their impact on the environment for several years through a detailed and ongoing study of the local insect population.  In 2009 this ground-breaking work has developed into an association of Corton vineyard owners named the ‘Paysage de Corton’ who study erosion, sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.  The group was instigated by now retired Domaine Director Denis Fetzmann but is now headed by Christophe Deola Louis Latour's Domaine Director.

For more information, please see www.louislatour.com. 

Simonnet-Febvre

In the Autumn of 2019 Simonnet-Febvre launched their first Organic Chablis range. This consists of four wines: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru Montmains and Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume.

These grapes are all sourced from certified vineyards and the wines are made in house by Paul Espitalié, Simonnet-Febvre’s winemaker and Director.

Simonnet-Febvre aim to make their range fully organic over the coming years.  

Michel Redde et Fils

The Redde family, whilst not seeking official organic certification, strongly believe in working with respect for their vineyards and the surrounding environment.  Their vineyards are managed without the use of herbicides, insecticides or any other synthetic additive, a reasoned and low interventionist viticulture. As a result, the vines receive controlled organic inputs, the work is manual and meticulous, and the grapes are harvested by hand in crates.The conversion to organic and biodynamic methods is underway.

 

 

Champagne Gosset

Gosset lays claim to some serious sustainability credentials:

• Sustainably sourced grapes from 160 vine-growing families, all under 5-year contracts that guarantee their revenue.
• No herbicides from 2025
• 95% recycled glass used in the production of the bottles.
• The labels, muselet (wire cage), caps and corks are all produced just 20km away.
• Gosset’s foils are from the ‘Absolute Green Line by Sparflex’ and are 100% recyclable. www.sparflex.com/en/the-products/foils/absolute-green-line
• Gosset works with partners and suppliers who have engaged in a sustainable development policy, or use FSC certified paper, or eco compatible inks for labels.
• 100% of the winery’s waste waters are recycled, treated, and turned back into drinkable water.
• Efficient controls in place to reduce energy and wastage.
• Gosset glass bottles are fully recyclable and take part in ‘Adelphe’ www.adelphe.fr

 

Cognac Frapin

Frapin are a single estate and all their cognacs come from their own 240 hectares that are planted as vineyards.

They practice:

• Sustainable viticulture
• Limited use of pesticides
• Winery residues and water – recycled
• Sustainable packaging - Redesign of Cigar Blend XO packaging has led to a 25% reduction in its carbon footprint. 100% carbon neutrality has been achieved though participation in a climate protection project* who, to date, have planted 1 million trees across 32 French forests.

*https://fpm.climatepartner.com/project/details/1277/fr 

 

Banfi

Castello Banfi is the first winery in the world to be awarded international recognition for exceptional environmental, ethical and social responsibility (ISO 14001 and SA8000) as well as an international leader in customer satisfaction (ISO 9001:2000).

• Authorised eco-operator
• Contributor to the Siena carbon neutral scheme
• Electricity solely from renewable sources.
• Pioneers in clonal diversity of the Sangiovese grape, funding a huge research project available for all.

The Castello Banfi estate extends to the south of Montalcino, to the borders of the Val d’Orcia. Of the 2,873 hectares of land, about one third is under vine in a constellation of single vineyards, the remainder occupied by olive groves, fruit trees (mainly plums), woods and scrub. Banfi have one of the highest ratios of forest to cultivated land among European wine estates.

From 2008-09 Banfi worked with glassblowers to create a lightweight bottle, reducing the carbon impact of creating and shipping the bottles.

The vineyards have gone from traditional sprinkling method irrigation to micro-irrigation resulting in a water saving of almost 80%.

The bio-bed - In 2008, Banfi implemented an innovative system for the washing of agricultural machinery. Working with the Department of Agronomy and Agro-Ecosystem Management of the University of Pisa, the project eliminates the distribution into the environment of oily residues and residues from agricultural treatments.

When Banfi were established in Montalcino they began a huge research project into clonal diversity of Sangiovese. They found 300 strains and planted 180 in one vineyard under the same condition. After 3 years of micro-vinification they selected 15 clones evaluated for properties desirable in Brunello. This research was made public for the region to use. Using this research Banfi implemented a zonal approach to their vineyards, matching the clone to the soil type and the right vineyard management to that vine. This research project is on-going.

For more information please see www.banfi.it/en/

 

Viu Manent

Viu Manent is fully committed to reducing their impact on the environment.

• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems certified.
• Photovoltaic solar energy used for all winery operations (100% electric independent).
• Use of eco-bottles and actions for solid and water waste management in accordance with environmental standards

Biodiversity project – installation platforms for birds of prey, a program to monitor species harmful to native fauna and a program to eradicate introduced plant species, a reforestation program for native species and encouragement of growth and conservation of biological corridors.

Green certification with the Wines of Chile (WoC) Sustainability Code. The green stage focuses on the use of natural resources, vineyard pests, agrochemicals and industrial safety.

For more information please see www.viumanent.cl.

 

  

McHenry Hohnen

McHenry Hohnen’s goal is to encourage biodiversity within their boundaries and to minimize all external inputs, being stewards of the land, implementing organic practices to produce the finest grapes possible.

McHenry Hohnen manage their vineyards according to biodynamic principles, following strict methods for over the last decade. Hazel’s Vineyard and the winery were certified in July 2020 and Calgardup Brook is undergoing conversion.

McHenry Hohnen's General Manager, Vineyard Manager and Viticulturalist Simon Keall encourages these principles in creating the greatest vineyard site:

• Diverse range of cover crops are planted each year within the vines to encourage nitrogen and organic matter.
• Beneficial insect corridors have been established on borders within the vineyard
• Our flock of sheep provide organic fertiliser and graze on weeds
• Our vineyard chickens manage pest insects (pest control)
• Honeybee colonies to assist pollination and to act as environmental indicators
• A substantial in-house composting program that provides nutrient balance
• Sequestering of carbon into the soil to build resilience and moisture retention
• Riparian and wetland protection and regeneration
• Protection of virgin native forest and wildlife corridors
• Rainwater harvesting for all winery operations
• Recycling of wastewater and grape marc through composting
• Significant solar power generation
• Next generation smart refrigeration system
• Site-sourced rammed earth barrel cellar replicates an underground cellar
• Extensive tank insulation minimizes power inputs
• Environmentally designed gravity flow winery

McHenry Hohnen Winery achieved Australian Biodynamic Certification in July 2020.

Hazel’s Vineyard achieved Australian Biodynamic Certification in July 2020.

Calgardup Brook Vineyard is farmed Biodynamically and will be certified in the future.

Burnside Vineyard has been farmed Biodynamically for over a decade.

For more information, please see www.mchenryhohnen.com.au/about/philosophy

Pyramid Valley

Pyramid Valley’s founding wines were established with biodynamics at the core. This allows the vineyards to express themselves, giving a voice to their soils, season, place and time. Pyramid Valley consider a wine’s capacity for evoking a specific site an obligation as much as a gift. Biodynamics, hand-based, regenerative viticulture and natural winemaking are the ways they let the wines express their origins.

By using biodynamic composts, seaweed, adding nutrients and creating a natural tonic, soil quality has increased immensely. Difficult weeds have disappeared and were replaced by new, soft, and beneficial weeds. Through biodynamic philosophies, they’ve learned to understand what the soils need, and how to observe and guide the vineyards, so that the plants and environment follow their innate rhythms and flourish naturally.

Technology is also at the forefront of what Pyramid Valley do with technology robots in the vineyard, performing viticultural tasks accurately, as well as being the leader in provenance technology with Oritain. Oritain’s technology enables us to give the consumer the ability to trace their wine from vine to barrel to bottle. It is an important breakthrough for producers providing a level of traceability like no other.

• Biodynamics
• Hand-based viticulture
• Regenerative farming
• Minimal intervention practices
• All wines sustainably certified - SWNZ

For more information please see www.pyramidvalley.co.nz/.