Late September marks the shift to a magical season in Provence. Temperatures grow milder, the light skims the ridges of the Dentelles de Montmirail, and the foliage of our Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre vines takes on golden, fiery, and deep crimson hues.
Autumn is a pivotal time for Domaine Les Teyssonnières. Between striking landscapes and the biological transition in the vineyard, here is a glimpse into daily life on our land during this beautiful late season.
While nature seems to slow down, an essential biological process is at work in the vineyard. After giving us its finest fruit, the vine prepares to face the winter:
The descent of sap: Sap gradually leaves the leaves to concentrate in the wood (the canes) and roots. This allows the vine stock to store up nutrient reserves.
Lignification (l'aoûtement): Green shoots build up woody tissue, turn brown, and strengthen to withstand the first frosts.
Leaf fall: Once their reserves have been transferred to the plant, the leaves take on their autumn colors and fall, leaving the vines bare and ready for their upcoming winter rest.
Autumn is also an ideal time to care for our land under HVE certification. On our sandy safre plots, soil work resumes gently:
This is when we allow natural ground cover to grow between the rows or sow green manure (such as legumes). These plants help decompact the soil naturally, capture nitrogen from the air, and prevent erosion during autumn rains.
Autumn is without doubt one of the most beautiful times to stroll through Gigondas. The summer crowds have given way to tranquility, the air is crisp, and the light hitting the jagged rocks of the Dentelles is simply magnificent.
It is also the season when the cooling air inspires us to uncork structured, characterful wines to pair with the first slow-cooked dishes of the year.
Come visit us: our tasting cellar, fully climate-controlled year-round, is ready to welcome you to discover our age-worthy red wines, our rare white Gigondas, and our olive oils!
