WeinBrief 21.06.2012
Dear Business Partners and Friends,
As the Summer Solstice approaches, we can look back on the previous three months in our vineyards and again note that nothing in the natural world can be reliably predicted in advance. Every year, Mother Nature has a new surprise in store for us. This year, we observed how the warm weather in March triggered an early growth of the vegetation – even earlier than last year. Nevertheless, this was then compensated for by the cold weather in April and May, so that the blossoming took place as usual in late-May.
The increased susceptibility to fungus, caused by the high humidity, as early as April was likewise surprising – a phenomenon usually not seen until after the blossoming. In biodynamic cultivation, the appearance of Peronospora is a key moment to test the resistance of the grapevines. While Downy Mildew usually spreads quickly, the infection in our vineyards – if present at all – remained limited locally.
Using homeopathic infusions, we support the grapevines in resisting disease. These are infusions made from, e.g., the Common Horsetail which contains silicon, and Yarrow, to keep the fungus down.
The successful conversion to biodynamic cultivation methods has, over the years, resulted in the regeneration and harmonization of the soils in our vineyards. This year, we've now begun to sow not only annual but also multi-annual cover crops. In addition to small plants that grow spontaneously, such cover crops are important because their roots help to loosen up the soil in the vine rows, to build up scarce substances, and to form flowers and thus attract insects. Calendula, Corn Poppies, Cornflowers, True Chamomile, and various forms of Clover will now expand the variety of flora growing here.
For years, now, we've been a member of the Working Group for Biodynamic Cultivation of South Tyrol (www.biodynamik.it) and have been collaborating successfully. The continuous exchange of information motivated us to celebrate a biodynamic festival on June 9 at our historic estate Casòn Hirschprunn. Other wine-growers employing biodynamic methods came to present their products and offer them for tasting. A wide range of events and performance - ranging from music performances to creative painting to seminars and films - helped introduce the world of Anthroposophy as conceived by Rudolf Steiner to a wide public. Our kitchen served dishes based on foodstuffs derived from biodynamic farming to approximately 1.000 guests.
Our VIN-o-TON (www.aloislageder.eu/en/vinoton) concert evening on May 12 was an unforgettable experience. This year, a work composed by the young Estonian composer Helena Tulves celebrated its premiere. Like in previous years, it was an evening full of energy that left a deep impression on both the musicians, themselves, and on the guests.
Wishing you a pleasant summer,
Alois Lageder
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