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In Champagne, the prescribed planting density of 8,000 vines per hectare is to be reduced to 6,000. This has been approved by the Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité (INAO). The distance between rows of vines is to be increased to 2.2 metres, thereby reducing the time and costs involved in tending the vineyards. Proponents estimate that this would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent and describe the "Vignes semi-larges" (VSL - half-width vines) initiative as environmentally friendly.
Many winegrowers see cost reduction as the main reason for VSL alone. They say it leads to the approval of machine harvesting and possibly to lower concentrations in the finished wine. The collective "No-VSL", which includes winegrowers Aurélien Laherte, Aurélien Suenen, Raphaël Bérêche, Fabrice Pouillon and Mélanie and Benoît Tarlant, fears increased use of tractors and thus greater soil compaction. This would have a negative impact on biodiversity, soil life and the carbon balance of the vineyards. In addition, No-VSL argues, keeping yields per hectare at current levels while reducing density would make each vine work harder. Growers would be encouraged to choose more productive clones and more aggressive crop protection. This in turn would have a negative impact on quality. The lower planting density would only benefit the big negociants.
The cellar master of Maison Louis Roederer, Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, commented that Roederer had been testing VSL for 20 years. "It can be an interesting solution that works well for certain situations. Most of our vineyards are in grand crus, or poor limestone soils where mineralisation is slow and yields are moderate. They are also planted with in-house clones that produce moderate yields, and we largely practice certified and regenerative organic viticulture. For these reasons, we now feel that the VSL is not suitable for our area and our production and ripeness goals." On the contrary, Roederer has increased its planting density to an average of 10,000 vines per hectare since 2015.
The decision for or against a lower planting density is up to each producer and only arises when the vineyards are replanted.
(al / Source: decanter.com; Photo: Comité Champagne Philippe Maille)
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