Biovalie2025 : on vous dit tout

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Lors de l’Assemblée Générale annuel, la direction a dévoilé la stratégie de Vinovalie à l’ensemble des vignerons. Cette stratégie intitulée « Biovalie 2025 » affirme une volonté forte résumée en sept engagements pour offrir aux générations futures un patrimoine écologiquement sain et économiquement durable.

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Biodiversity
 

Keen to preserve and add value to our region's cultural heritage, Vinovalie has created a protected area for grape varieties originating from the South West.

Two hectares have been set aside for planting vines from 37 different grape varieties, half of which are still little known and not registered in the catalogue. A micro-winery will be added to the conservation area so that micro-cuvées for each grape variety can be produced and tasted. This work is being carried out in collaboration with Olivier Yobregat from the French Wine and Vine Institute and inspired by the Gaillacois Robert Plageoles, allowing visitors to discover the characteristics of these forgotten grape varieties. We can maybe even bring some of them back into production in our vineyards in the coming years.

The conservation area also includes more than a hundred different genotypes of wild vine beloved by Robert Plageoles called “lambrusques”, from various locations in South-West France. This undertaking - unique in its field - will help to protect specimens from the Forêt de Grésigne with its exceptionally rich biodiversity.

Plant ecology
 

One of the goals of our Agri-Confiance programme is to achieve zero residue. Protecting and maintaining our land using cultivation and technical practices that respect the environment has been a cornerstone of our Quality Policy for many years.

A number of different initiatives have been implemented to support wine-growers in their efforts to reduce the use of phytosanitary products while maintaining the quality of their production. In 2016, 100% of Vinovalie's Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée areas were part of the Agri-Confiance programme, which is based on sustainable agricultural standards. Vinovalie is implementing an extensive testing programme for multiple solutions including biocontrol, new practices, new types of treatment and new materials. This multifactorial approach even goes as far as testing new crop itineraries to guarantee zero pesticide residue in our wines.

Oenology
 

Vinovalie has now fine-tuned its vinification processes to bring you a range of wines without added sulphites : Aux Origines et Sans Culottes. 

Wellbeing at work
 

We live in a time when the automation of unrewarding, repetitive and arduous tasks is now a serious consideration. Pruning vines and manual weeding are repetitive, arduous jobs that can often lead to injury. However, these tasks are an essential part of vineyard operations. Unfortunately, their tedious, repetitive nature means that it is often difficult to find workers for them and they are not attractive to new generations. Yet tending the plants properly is essential to producing high-quality wines. New technologies and the considerable advances made in analysis and management tools have led to dramatic progress in these areas.

Vinovalie is participating in several research and development programmes in areas such as automated pruning, mechanical weeding under the rows and confined spraying.

Valuing our profession
 

For too long, the only way of becoming a wine-grower was to inherit the profession. The capital investment of buying a vineyard and equipment has been a real obstacle to entering the industry. Vinovalie is aiming to make it easier and more attractive for new generations. David Girard, Vice President of Vinovalie, is head of our youth commission. We offer a complete programme entitled “Becoming a Wine-Grower”, which provides the framework for getting into the business - from expertise at the set-up stage to financial support, technical advice and how to manage the first few years.

Vinovalie is convinced that the wine-growing profession is progressive, a strong part of the region's culture and attractive for future generations. We have proven that our model can meet the needs of young consumers for whom wine is an instant “pleasure”, as well as traditionalists who are passionate about the characteristics of our local wines and advocates for our native grape varieties.

As part of its plan, Vinovalie has entered into partnerships with regional training networks to help overcome the shortage of qualified labour, make jobs in the wine-making industry more sustainable and ensure employees are equipped for change in their profession.

Transparent practices
 

From the grape variety conservation area below our new facilities just outside of Tarn to the carefully orchestrated tour through the various rooms in the building, visitors will be transported into the world of Vinovalie. As a symbol of our commitment, the building's architecture has been designed to be as one with the vines. Decorated with mirrors, the façade allows the vines to penetrate the building to the point of disappearing. A symbol of our commitment to transparency, from the grapevine to the bottle.

Vinovalie intends to increase the creation of wine tourism products through its various investment projects. This themed approach will add value to our wine-growing regions and allow visitors to feel part of our world.

Improving our carbon footprint
 

One of the concrete goals we have given ourselves is to reduce our water consumption by 3,500 m3. Another example is to half our use of paper. In our new head office, we are investing in electric motors that meet IE4 standards. Our new head office meets the HQE (High Environmental Quality) standard. These are just some of the steps Vinovalie is taking to improve its operation-wide carbon footprint. This inclusive project involves all wine-growers and employees, who are encouraged to put forward their own ideas on the subject. Our ultimate goal is to be awarded a quality certification such as RSE (Societal and Environmental Responsibility).