Biovidversity in our appellation

CULTURE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE AND MANKIND ON THE ROAD TO MORE BIODIVERSITY SINCE 2004.

Aware of the richness and fragility of their environment, the winemakers of Saumur-Champigny decided in 2004 to embark on an ambitious program for the preservation and development of local biodiversity - a first on the scale of an appellation.

Development of Ecological Reservoirs Zones (French acronym: ZER), installation of meteorological stations, methodological observation of species ... the practices developed at the time have now become commonplace and enable everyone, winemakers, locals and even hikers, to enjoy a protected environment.

ZERs, which have been developed since 2005, now include shrubs, trees or climbing plants. They provide insects and animals shelters, food and breeding grounds, thus contributing to the natural regulation of harmful insects and fungi in the vineyard. Today, 20 km (12 miles) of hedgerows enable winemakers to significantly reduce inputs and establish a natural balance between species.

The meteorological stations help towards preventing diseases of the vine.

Everyone’s commitment is ongoing. This collective awareness is reflected today in an appellation made up of 29% of domains in organic production, or 1/3 of the total land area. A benchmark in sustainable viticulture and biodiversity.