A special vine pruning in the heart of the Côtes-du-Rhône capital

Pruning shears in hand, guests of the Compagnons de Côtes-du-Rhône threw themselves wholeheartedly into pruning the approximately 540 vines on the Avignon plot. Like the Clos des Canuts in Lyon or the Clos Montmartre in Paris, the Clos du Palais des Papes is one of some thirty urban vineyards united under the Urban Vineyards Association.  

Guided by the expertise of students from the wine-making school in Orange, participants learned the technique behind this essential task for the vineyard’s health. The 12 grape varieties planted on this 1,500-square-meter plot will now be able to grow and thrive until harvest time at the end of summer. The grapes harvested from the Grenache, Syrah, Marsanne, and other varieties will yield approximately 90 bottles of red and white wines bearing the AOC Côtes du Rhône designation. The Compagnons des Côtes du Rhône then donate these rare vintages to associations and charitable organizations. 

Even though the leaves and grapes are no longer on the vines in winter, it remains essential to tend to the remaining shoots. While the vine is dormant, the winemaker prunes the branches before the sap begins to rise around springtime.  

This pruning first allows for the removal of branches that grow and intertwine very easily, making the upcoming harvest later in the year easier. Beyond the practical benefits, this work helps keep the vine productive for longer: young shoots emerge, and the grape clusters develop better.  

On the technical side, the idea is to leave two to three buds per shoot, though this naturally varies depending on the grape variety and the winemaker’s desired outcome. In any case, the annual pruning at the Clos de la Vigne du Palais des Papes offers an opportunity for enthusiasts eager to learn more about the winemaking craft!