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SUSTAINABILITY AT CHÊNE BLEU – WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY!


Our family’s deep love and respect for nature has always set the tone at La Verrière:

• Rigorous organic and biodynamic practices were introduced at the inception of the project

• Chemicals and synthetic fertilizers were replaced with natural composts and complex, time-consuming practices to support the natural strengths of the vineyard, such as planting fields of sorghum to increase fresh hummus in preparation for planting vines

• We planted a bamboo forest to provide natural water-waste filtration and a flock of sheep provide natural weed control and compost over the winter

• Experimenting with bee propolis, harvested from the estate apiary, functions as a natural disinfectant. We also produce our own honey, which we don’t heat or filter to clarify, as that can weaken or destroy enzymes, live pollen, vitamins and minerals.

• Dates for planting, soil treatments and harvesting are set by the biodynamic calendar

• Working with dedicated consultants, we have undertaken a total sustainability program that addresses the natural environment, human resource and community relations.

We know, however, that there is much more than we can do to bring our delicate ecosystem into balance and allow our unique flora and fauna to thrive. We are convinced that bees play a crucial role in the process, so we are trying to help them help us!

PURSUING THE WILD FRONTIER IN SUSTAINABILITY

At Chêne Bleu, our philosophy in winemaking and viticulture has always been that we are only as strong as our weakest link. Therefore, we spare no effort in ensuring that every aspect of what we do – from soil to bottle – is focused on teasing out the greatest quality possible from our unique ancient terroir.

Our aim is to raise awareness of the potential of our high-elevation microclimate in the Southern Rhône to produce wines of grand cru quality, while honoring our role as students and protectors of both the wild “living organism” around our estate as well as the overall health and well-being of our clients.

To us, that’s the final frontier in sustainability – a road map for any winery trying to push the boundaries on quality without eschewing their responsibilities as guardians of the planet.

Bees play an enormous role in supporting the virtuous circle of life. Although vines are self-pollinating, new research shows that the best wines are made from soils teeming with life.

Cross-pollinated biodiversity and a nutrient-rich microbiome are the most defining contributors to the long-term health of vineyards and the complexity of flavors in their wines... eliminating the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the vineyard and compensating ‘trickery’ in the winery.

Xavier, who learned beekeeping from an elderly neighbor in his youth, developed a life-long appreciation for the fascinating and complex organizational structure of bees and a passion for protecting them. The early success of his beekeeping project has motivated us to grow the size of the apiary by adding more hives and bees.

WHAT THIS WINEFUNDING PROJECT WILL ACHIEVE

With the support of this investment through Wine Funding:

• We will purchase up to 10 new beehives and new bees for the Chêne Bleu apiary.
• We will expand our current research activity, with a new project focused on bees and their impact on biodiversity and winemaking, coordinating our work with existing studies and broadening our work in association with the scientists of the Mt Ventoux Biosphere.
• We will focus research on the health benefits of honey and wines made using propolis without chemical fertilizers, pesticides or additives.
• We will launch Bee and Biodiversity Educational Tours at the estate and create educational materials for both the wine trade and the general public.
• We will hire help for Xavier and the gardener/beekeeper currently looking after our apiary.

This will allow us to:

• Increase our bee population to cover a wider territory that encompasses the forest and clearings around the vineyard so that wildflowers and other flora can thrive.
• Increase our production of raw honey and propolis.
• Lead by example to show the wine world that the future of Grand Cru lies in supporting initiatives that strengthen our relationship with the earth and the well-being of our clients, instead of using time, energy and money pursuing short term gain or remedies at the expense of the greater good.
• Educate the next generation about the role of bees in the food and drink they ingest, as well as the welfare of the environment.

We believe that there are kindred spirits across the world of wine-lovers who would like to join us in our crusade to nurture the bee population of our region and restore the vital role that apiaries play in the balance of our ecosystem. We invite you to join us.


For more information on the wines, visit www.chenebleu.com

Follow Chêne Bleu on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn

Contributions are vested in the project and project vote immediately debited from e-wallet. Ending on : 05/05/2020

Thanks to backers



SUSTAINABILITY AT CHÊNE BLEU – WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY!


Our family’s deep love and respect for nature has always set the tone at La Verrière:

• Rigorous organic and biodynamic practices were introduced at the inception of the project

• Chemicals and synthetic fertilizers were replaced with natural composts and complex, time-consuming practices to support the natural strengths of the vineyard, such as planting fields of sorghum to increase fresh hummus in preparation for planting vines

• We planted a bamboo forest to provide natural water-waste filtration and a flock of sheep provide natural weed control and compost over the winter

• Experimenting with bee propolis, harvested from the estate apiary, functions as a natural disinfectant. We also produce our own honey, which we don’t heat or filter to clarify, as that can weaken or destroy enzymes, live pollen, vitamins and minerals.

• Dates for planting, soil treatments and harvesting are set by the biodynamic calendar

• Working with dedicated consultants, we have undertaken a total sustainability program that addresses the natural environment, human resource and community relations.

We know, however, that there is much more than we can do to bring our delicate ecosystem into balance and allow our unique flora and fauna to thrive. We are convinced that bees play a crucial role in the process, so we are trying to help them help us!

PURSUING THE WILD FRONTIER IN SUSTAINABILITY

At Chêne Bleu, our philosophy in winemaking and viticulture has always been that we are only as strong as our weakest link. Therefore, we spare no effort in ensuring that every aspect of what we do – from soil to bottle – is focused on teasing out the greatest quality possible from our unique ancient terroir.

Our aim is to raise awareness of the potential of our high-elevation microclimate in the Southern Rhône to produce wines of grand cru quality, while honoring our role as students and protectors of both the wild “living organism” around our estate as well as the overall health and well-being of our clients.

To us, that’s the final frontier in sustainability – a road map for any winery trying to push the boundaries on quality without eschewing their responsibilities as guardians of the planet.

Bees play an enormous role in supporting the virtuous circle of life. Although vines are self-pollinating, new research shows that the best wines are made from soils teeming with life.

Cross-pollinated biodiversity and a nutrient-rich microbiome are the most defining contributors to the long-term health of vineyards and the complexity of flavors in their wines... eliminating the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the vineyard and compensating ‘trickery’ in the winery.

Xavier, who learned beekeeping from an elderly neighbor in his youth, developed a life-long appreciation for the fascinating and complex organizational structure of bees and a passion for protecting them. The early success of his beekeeping project has motivated us to grow the size of the apiary by adding more hives and bees.

WHAT THIS WINEFUNDING PROJECT WILL ACHIEVE

With the support of this investment through Wine Funding:

• We will purchase up to 10 new beehives and new bees for the Chêne Bleu apiary.
• We will expand our current research activity, with a new project focused on bees and their impact on biodiversity and winemaking, coordinating our work with existing studies and broadening our work in association with the scientists of the Mt Ventoux Biosphere.
• We will focus research on the health benefits of honey and wines made using propolis without chemical fertilizers, pesticides or additives.
• We will launch Bee and Biodiversity Educational Tours at the estate and create educational materials for both the wine trade and the general public.
• We will hire help for Xavier and the gardener/beekeeper currently looking after our apiary.

This will allow us to:

• Increase our bee population to cover a wider territory that encompasses the forest and clearings around the vineyard so that wildflowers and other flora can thrive.
• Increase our production of raw honey and propolis.
• Lead by example to show the wine world that the future of Grand Cru lies in supporting initiatives that strengthen our relationship with the earth and the well-being of our clients, instead of using time, energy and money pursuing short term gain or remedies at the expense of the greater good.
• Educate the next generation about the role of bees in the food and drink they ingest, as well as the welfare of the environment.

We believe that there are kindred spirits across the world of wine-lovers who would like to join us in our crusade to nurture the bee population of our region and restore the vital role that apiaries play in the balance of our ecosystem. We invite you to join us.


For more information on the wines, visit www.chenebleu.com

Follow Chêne Bleu on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn

Contributions are vested in the project and project vote immediately debited from e-wallet. Ending on : 05/05/2020

Thanks to backers


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