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The Board of Directors of the Médoc, Haut-Médoc and Listrac-Médoc appellations includes measures for more environmentally friendly viticulture in its specifications. In future, a "compulsory, state-recognised environmental certification of level 2 (minimum) or organic farming" will be required. This includes a "ban on total chemical weed control" and "mandatory performance measurement for the use of plant protection products". The Saint-Émilion Wine Council and the AOC Côtes-de-Bourg also want to enforce official environmental certifications. In Médoc, Haut-Médoc and Listrac-Médoc, 50 percent of the vineyards are already certified and 20 percent are preparing for the process. The remaining 30 per cent are receiving technical support to facilitate the transition. The future specifications for these appellations also provide for trials with the new grape varieties Arinarnoa, Marselan, Castet and Touriga nacional.
(al / Source: vitisphere; Photo: Alexander Lupersböck)