At Château Monestier La Tour, the biodynamic approach has an influence at several levels:

• in response to the climate each year: it enables, through observation and a range of treatments, the production of a high quality harvest thanks to healthy, balanced vines. Herbal teas and decoctions are used to compensate for the vagaries of the climate.

• in the medium term: it enables the respect of natural rhythms and cycles. The winegrower has to maintain and engage the vineyard in a long-term process, ultimately reaching a beneficial, reassuring harmony for each vine.

• in the long term: it should bring about a qualitative improvement in the terroir through sustainable treatment of the soil and the ecosystem in general. The wines can then achieve a subtle balance between depth, freshness, elegance and fruit.

The preservation of nature and resources is obviously a fundamental aspect of a commitment to organic, biodynamic agriculture. Thus, to reduce water consumption, rainwater is collected for treatments in the vineyard.

Geothermal energy is used to regulate the temperature in the vat room and for air conditioning.

The creation of a “useful garden” is another part of this biodynamic conversion.

Here are some examples of how the plants are used:

• to respect the natural cycles: biodynamic agriculture is based on this concept. There are root days (earth), leaf days (water), flower days (air), and fruit days (heat). Some plants are particularly helpful during these periods: yarrow, which produces an abundance of flowers, is useful when the vines are flowering.

• for the balance between the soil and the vine: a Cabernet Sauvignon planted on a cold terroir will require more warm plants such as nettles and brambles.

• to compensate for the vagaries of the weather: for example, horsetail can help to compensate for excessive rain.