When it comes to making wine, we rely on our sensory skills to make decisions in the winery. But long before that, in the vineyards, we listen to the elements that give life to the land where our vines grow. And it is here where the work in situ takes on greater importance, as it helps us to observe the land, to feel the land, to smell it, contributing to better decision-making.
This is why, at Gramona, we take care of our vineyards in a very serious way, dedicating the time and attention required to satisfy the needs of each plot, individually, listening to its needs at any given moment. For us, the soil is a valuable element, because the healthier and more alive it is, the better the conditions will be for the vines to express themselves.
So, naturally, our viticulture lives in the countryside. Walking through the vineyards every day allows us to better understand the space in which they grow. We are fortunate to have some very important companions who help us to work the land respectfully: the horses we have been using to plough our finest vineyard plots for some years now. They distribute their weight as they go through the vineyards, so the soil is not compacted. They also feed the soil with their natural fertilizer and prevent vibrations in the vines, making this work as a perfect harmony between man, animal and plant.
Biodynamic growing, which we currently practice in all of our vineyards, enables us to carry out this work of respect for the land. When working in this way, no chemical products are used as these have been replaced by a number of preparations made from manure and medicinal plants which are applied to the soil. These preparations allows us to preserve the balance between the various substances that make up the soil which helps the vine to grow healthily.
We have learned that by treating our vines with respect and giving them the tools they need to be strong, they are able not only to survive, but to bring out the best in themselves.
We practice this respect at every stage of the vine’s growth cycle. For the pruning, we use Simonit & Sirch techniques, a school that seeks to respect the vine during this process by ensuring that the cutting of its branches is carried out conscientiously, thereby accelerating the healing process, helping the vine to regain the strength it needs for the flowering to come. And at harvest we pick the bunches by hand to preserve the freshness and quality of the fruit, and also to prevent any extra damage to our vines.
All these various operations and techniques have a common goal: to ensure that our vineyards are a healthy environment for the vines, to allow them to give us the best of their fruit, for us to turn this fruit into wines full of personality. We see the generosity with which Nature responds and that is why we remain committed to our work. We continue to observe and learn with humility and excitement. We cannot escape the fact that Nature has a direct and determining influence on all of our crops, so it is our duty to learn how to interpret Her.
