Biodiversity: An Opportunity for Bordeaux Wines
In response to the climate emergency, more and more estates are undergoing a historic transformation, making biodiversity the central pillar of their viticulture. This ecological revolution often goes beyond mere regulatory compliance to become a true production philosophy. This is notably the case at Fontesteau. In 2017, the château joined the Système de Management Environnemental des Vins de Bordeaux (Environmental Management System of Bordeaux Wines), then was certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (High Environmental Value), and later committed to organic farming. These various initiatives help to highlight and protect the biodiversity present across the 100 hectares of land surrounding the 13th-century estate.
To encourage the industry in this virtuous direction, the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bordeaux (Bordeaux Wine Interprofessional Council) has implemented a number of measures. The first question that arises when we talk about vineyards is about the vine itself. The ampelographic (Descriptive Study of Grapevines) collection of the Centre de Ressources Biologiques de la Vigne de Vassal (Vassal Vine Biological Resources Center) serves as the basis for reinventing Bordeaux’s grape varieties. Recent work has identified 63 heritage grape varieties from the Gironde region with unique adaptive properties, developed drought-resistant rootstocks, and reintroduced historical varieties such as Mancin Noir and Castets. The Blanquefort conservatory, scheduled for 2026, will become the beating heart of this varietal renaissance in Bordeaux.
On this International Day for Biological Diversity (22th of may), it seems appropriate to mention some of the measures vineyards can implement to use the biodiversity of their land as a tool for protecting the vines. These strategies are sometimes innovative, and sometimes a return to traditional farming wisdom. Examples include planting hedgerows, creating ponds, installing bat nesting boxes, and more.
These agroecological infrastructures have, in some cases, reduced phytosanitary treatments by 30%. Respecting ecology also generates new value chains, such as recycling 90% of vine shoots for mulching or energy, converting winemaking waste into enriched compost, and installing beehives to pollinate the vineyards. This transition has had concrete and positive economic impacts on the Bordeaux wine sector: +15% added value for wines certified HVE, -25% in phytosanitary costs over 5 years, and 300 jobs created in eco-consulting for viticulture (CIVB figures).
This ecological transformation could allow Bordeaux to position itself as a leader in sustainable viticulture. By reconciling oenological excellence with ecological resilience, the vineyard is writing a new chapter in its history—proving that respecting nature and biodiversity is not a constraint, but an opportunity for Bordeaux wines to renew themselves in this challenging time.