This Tuesday, September 8th, starting at 9am, Bordeaux's oldest vineyard will welcome its harvesters. Located Place de la Victoire, against the facade of the buildings next to the Aquitaine Gate, this two-hundred-year-old vineyard will be harvested in the presence of Mayor Thomas Cazenave.
©Thomas Sanson- Bordeaux City Council
A vineyard over 200 years old
Planted at the end of the 18th century or the beginning of the 19th century, likely by the Duverger family, this vineyard originally had 6 vines. More than two centuries later, it continues to produce grapes thanks to regular maintenance throughout the year, without the use of any pesticides.
Still remarkably vigorous, it is pruned each spring and protected with netting before the harvest to preserve its bunches.
A rare grape variety from Navarre
This vine belongs to a very ancient grape variety called Tchacouli, now known as Ondarrabi Beltza. DNA analysis has confirmed its Navarrese origins, with strong genetic similarities.
According to historians, this grape variety crossed the Pyrenees before spreading through the Southwest, likely thanks to pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela. The City of Bordeaux also preserves several specimens at the vine conservatory, located in the Barails ecological reserve.
©Thomas Sanson- Mairie de bordeaux
A few bottles produced each year
Without chemical treatment and crafted according to traditional winemaking methods, the grapes from this vineyard produce just a few bottles each year. A powerful symbol of Bordeaux's heritage and the historic bond that ties the city to wine.