TRAIT D'UNION, Vignes et Chai

Who am I? Perrine LHOUMEAU SAMSERA, a 42 year-old new winegrower and winemaker. As a child, I imagined myself as a perfumer, but my grand-mother Hélène predicted me to become an oenologist. After 15 years in Research and Development Labs, I decided to train to become a technician (or vigneron) in wine growing and wine making, as if I finally listened to her voice... And one day, the opportunity finally appeared... just two months after the beginning of my training, I learned that the vineyards where I grew up were available to cultivate. After some reflection, the decision was obvious: go for it! Since the beginning of 2024, the work has begun. The project : This project is created with the idea of a living agriculture, respectful of women and men, and their environment. The land is open to all, for the transmission and sharing of new and ancient knowledge, and of course, for the creation of a unique wine meant to be shared together during moments of joy and pleasure. It will give the soil a new life, be part of the renewal of Bordeaux wines and a collective energy in the farming world, and finally have moments of poetry around a bottle of wine. This is the project in which I believe. The land is located at Yvrac, in the neighborhood of Bordeaux. Nestled between two hills, the soil is a mix of limestone clay and silt. The grape varieties are Merlot and Cabernet Franc. In September 2023, I initiated the conversion of organic farming, for obtaining the label "Agriculture Biologique". In January 2024 I began the pruning of vines, respecting sap flows. Over the next several months, I will till the soil to improve soil structure and porosity. Finally, I will implement the biodynamic principles of treating vines with different beneficial plants and biodynamic preparations used to enhance soil fertility, stimulate plant growth, and promote overall ecological balance in the system.. The grapes will be harvested by hand, and a convivial, festive harvest weekend will be organized in September 2024. At the end of this first year, I will produce 2 red wine cuvées. La Vrillée Single-varietal Cabernet Franc wine. Fresh and juicy, with a floral nose and gourmet mouthfeel. Aged for 9 months in vats and earthenware jars to soften the tannins. La Traversée A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Aged 12 months in vats, and in stoneware jars for the Merlot, with a fruity nose and smooth tannins. Vinification will be as natural as possible: little or no sulfur, as few inputs as possible, fermentation with indigenous yeasts. In the next few years, I'd like to plant trees in the rows to replace missing vines, and other grape varieties on the meadow plot: Malbec and white varieties. Finally, I'd like to make this a place where people can come and share: - welcoming all those who wish to discover the wine-making process, from the soil to the grape, - training in the ancient art of pruning, - musical evenings and weekends You can follow the progress of my adventure, my logbook, on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/perrinelhoumeau_vigneronne/