Thierry Puzelat@Clos du Tue-Boeuf

On Thursday we had a full day of visits starting with the Puzelats@the Domaine du Tue-Boeuf. We were delighted that Thierry had time to taste with us for an hour and a half as today (Saturday) is his wedding day – a big event amongst the natural wine-makers of the Loire.

Thierry and Nigel Wilkinson (RSJ Restaurant)

Jean-Marie Puzelat

More to follow but now off for visits to Jacky Blot and François Chidaine in Montlouis.

Thierry Puzelat:post boxes

More photos from the sort out.

Cellar@Domaine de Tue Boeuf (Jean-Marie and Thierry Puzelat)


Tue-Boeuf: young buds – mid April 2009

Wisteria@Epeigné-les-Bois: mid April 2010

Le bio en forte croissance

Fin 2009 la surface revendiquée par les vignerons français en viticulture biologique (ou en conversion) atteignait 39 000 ha. Un chiffre qui a doublé en 4 ans, et qui a été multiplié par 8 en 14 ans. Le nombre d’exploitations engagées en bio a augmenté de 31 % en une année, pour 3024 exploitations recensées fin 2009. 

Lire la suite... 

The article doesn't mention the Loire, where organic viticulture has long been well represented. Apparently the biggest increases have been seen in Languedoc-Roussillon (12 661 ha, + 52 % compared to 2008), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (8 981 ha, + 35 %) and Aquitaine (5 464 ha, + 45 %).

***

Thierry Puzelat

The Guardian has a video of the 2010 harvest at Domaine du Tué-Boeuf with Thierry Puzelat, which also stars Henrietta Lovell in fetching red. She is modelling some of the latest bio-vêtements. It is a recent discovery that wearing bright colours and patterns can deter unwanted insects and birds from invading vineyards. Red is particularly effective during the harvest in deterring ravenous birds from feasting on the ripe grapes.

 

Floral vineyard@Clos Roche Blanche