“Terroir” Poboleda Vineyard – Flora (DOQ Priorat)

For several days now, spring seems to have arrived, the birds burst into endless melodious songs, the lizards dare to leave their dens as the temperature rises, while butterflies and bees are seen among the flowers looking for those with the most succulent nectar. Indeed, nature has exploded in a magnificent variety of colours and sounds.

Our vines have been “crying” for some time now and even some with gorged buds begin to sprout and we can see calendula (marigold) formations between the rows of the vines. Fennel bushes are starting to appear on the steep slopes of the vineyard too.

As we approach the gully next to a family of oak trees, we are met with the striking yellow of the daffodils in the field. Where lies our centenary carignan (Planted in 1912), one can see the linaria and next to them – on a rocky and abrupt peak – pink spots  as the thyme is starting to grow, forming an interesting community with moss and lichens.

All this variety of plants must be maintained by applying appropriate agricultural measures, such as minimum and shallow tillage, removing weeds and keeping distances between the plants.

All the mentioned species have an important function in the ecological balance: they maintain the soil moisture, their roots work at different depths activating the soil microorganisms but also, when they die, they will generate nutrients and other elements that will fix the nitrogen that lies underground.

As we can see, the flora that lives in our land indicates the path that we must follow. It is vital to maintain perfect harmony with the environment as, ultimately, the way in which we treat our land will be reflected in the taste of the wines that our “terroir” produces.

 

Fig.1 Thyme                                                           Fig.2 Arvejón

    

Fig.3 Caléndula                                                     Fig.4 Chupamieles

   

 

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