Château de Cornelia in Roussillon is a vineyard that has been passed down from generation to generation. In 2010, William Jonquères d’Oriola, representing the 27th generation, took the reins of the family business with the goal of modernizing and expanding the estate while respecting tradition.
Château de Cornelia: Where Tradition Meets Plants for Plants® Innovation in Viticulture
At the heart of this transformation is a commitment to crafting exceptional wines. Plants for Plants®, our plant-based biostimulants, play a pivotal role in this endeavor. He focuses on several key aspects of viticulture. The first priority is to improve the quality of the wines produced. To achieve this, a thorough study of the grape varieties and terroirs present on the property is conducted, with the assistance of specialized consultants who provide expertise in innovative viticultural practices. The marketing of the wines is also crucial. A strategy is implemented to promote a strong brand identity, associating each wine with a specific label. The estate produces 26 different wines, ranging from local appellations to broader regional appellations.
Respect for the environment is a core value, so the implementation of Plants for Plants® organic biostimulants was a natural step to follow. Mr. Jonquères d’Oriola gradually converts the estate to sustainable agriculture and takes measures to regenerate the soil and promote biodiversity. Agroforestry experiments are conducted to improve yields and vine resilience. William Jonquères d’Oriola continuously explores new cultivation and winemaking techniques to perpetuate the winemaking excellence of Château de Cornelia.
Transformative Encounter: Plants for Plants® and the Dawn of a New Era
Mathieu Ramon-Baldie, the head of cultivation at Domaine Jonquères d’Oriola, shares his experience with Plants for Plants® organic biostimulants in viticulture.
“Our meeting with Van Iperen occurred at the ideal moment., as we were rethinking our approach to viticulture. We decided to embrace inter-row cover cropping and maximize shading, anticipating heat episodes and decreased precipitation. Additionally, we implemented an irrigation system. It was during this time that Van Iperen introduced us to the Plants for Plants solutions, which seemed to align perfectly with our new approach”.
Empowerment Unleashed: Plants for Plants® 4-Vita as the Catalyst
“From the very first year, we conducted trials using the Plants for Plants® 4-Vita (P4P 4-Vita) with different methods. The results were extremely promising. Even though we didn’t use the product under the optimal conditions, as we applied it to a vineyard that had experienced severe water stress three years prior, we observed a significant explosion in vegetative growth right after the first application”, adds Mathieu.
Throughout the year, we observed a 15-day difference compared to other methods in terms of the effect of water stress on plant development and grape berries. Despite a 25% reduction in irrigation, the berries remained well-developed until the very end.
Holistic Vine Development with Plants for Plants® 4-Vita
In the journey of change, Plants for Plants® 4-Vita is like the driving force in viticulture. “We practice controlled irrigation based on weather forecasts and rainfall data from our weather stations. We adjust irrigation according to the specific needs of the vines at each growth stage. Doing this allows us to reduce irrigation by 25% compared to a state where we wouldn’t be in a comfortable zone but just below it. This way, the vines experience a certain level of water stress, but within optimal limits. “
The use of P4P 4-Vita has been particularly beneficial for the select vineyards, referred to as Premium Vines. In just two years, they managed to revive a vineyard that had experienced difficulties by filling the gaps and improving the balance and maturity of the grapes. Must analysis showed an increase in yield of over 38% without diluting compounds such as anthocyanins or Brix. The results were visually evident, with well-developed berries and magnificent vegetative growth.
Working Together for Growth: Making Vines Better
Taking good care of the vines, like conducting pruning and bud thinning at the latest possible moment, has promoted optimal vine development. This meticulous work has significantly impacted the vines’ health and vigor, further enhancing the benefits of the P4P products.
Organic farming certified by Ecocert and winner of the EU LIFE Award 2023 in the category of environment, Plants for Plants® 4-Vita has become an essential tool to make conventional viticulture more sustainable.
Château de Cornellia’s journey, boosted by Plants for Plants® organic biostimulants, redefines how viticulturists should think about vineyards. Old and new ways mix, thanks to Plants for Plants®. This mix shows up as better quality, more innovative water use, and bigger grape harvests. With this new chapter, the vineyard is ready to make big changes.