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IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Methodology and zoning of A.O.C. natural soils. Example of “Pic Saint-Loup”

Methodology and zoning of A.O.C. natural soils. Example of “Pic Saint-Loup”

Abstract

[English version below]

Les travaux menés, dans le cadre du programme départemental pour la connaissance et la valorisation des terroirs viticoles, sur l’aire A.O.C. Coteaux du Languedoc / Pic Saint-Loup ont permis d’appliquer à l’échelle d’une Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (13 communes), une méthodologie d’étude axée sur les aspects sol/climat/topographie qui concourent à l’identification des terroirs naturels, facteurs de typicité des vins. Dans un premier temps, un «diagnostic» de l’ensemble des critères du milieu naturel a été réalisé. Après avoir défini le cadre géologique, une prospection agro-pédologique au 1/10.000ème a permis de cartographier les différentes unités de sol ainsi que leurs positions topographiques. Les conditions climatiques sont également précisées d’un point de vue statistique (stations météo au sein de l’aire et stations limitrophes).

Dans un second temps, il était intéressant d’associer plus étroitement ces caractéristiques agro­environnementales à la culture de la vigne et à l’élaboration d’un vin typique. On approche ainsi au plus près de la notion de «terroir». Dans ce cadre, une singularité bioclimatique du Pic Saint-Loup a été identifiée sur la base de 3 indices viticoles corrélés à des caractéristiques intrinsèques et spécifiques des vins du Pic Saint-Loup. Les différentes unités de terroir naturel ont été cartographiées (typologie du sol, avec une estimation de la disponibilité en eau, associée au bilan radiatif) et décrites sous les différents aspects qui font leurs identités.

The works led, within the local program for the knowledge and the valorization of the wine soils, on the area A.O.C. Coteaux du Languedoc / Pic Saint-Loup allowed to apply on the scale of a registrated appellation origin (13 municipalities), a methodology of study centered on aspects ground/climate/topography which contribute to the identification of natural soils, factors of typical wines. At first, a «diagnosis » of ail the criteria of the natural environment was realized. Having definite the geologic frame, an agro-pedological prospecting to the 1/10.000th allowed mapping the various unities of ground as well as their topographic positions. The climatic conditions are also clarified by a statistical point of view (meteorological stations within the area and bordering stations).

In a second time, it was interesting to associate more strictly these agro-environmental characteristics to the culture of the vineyard and to the elaboration of a typical wine. One approaches so in closer the notion of “soil”. In this frame, a bioclimatic peculiarity of the Pic Saint Loup was identified on the basis of 3 wine indicators correlated in intrinsic and specific characteristics of wines of Pic Saint Loup. The various units of natural soil were mapped (typology of ground, with an estimation of the availability in water, associated to the radiative assessment) and described under the various aspects which make their identities.

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Publication date: February 15, 2022

Issue: Terroir 2002

Type: Article

Authors

Jean-Paul STORAÏ (1), Jean-Luc TONDUT (2)

(1) Conseil général de l’Hérault – 1000 rue d’Alco – F. 34087 Montpellier cedex 4
(2) Association Climatologique de l’Hérault – 85 avenue d’Assas – F 34000 Montpellier

Keywords

méthodologie, terroir naturel, sol, climat, viticulture
methodology, natural soil, ground, climate, vine growing(2) Association Climatologique de l’Hérault – 85 avenue d’Assas – F 34000 Montpellier

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2002

Citation

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