Modifications to be made to the pruning of grapevines in the Charentes region | René Lafon

Foreword Letter Dear Lafon, Here is a book signed by you, and another good book. Many of our vineyards are aging, as the major reconstitution effort dates back more than twenty years. Those who planted back then did not concern themselves with the longevity, just happy to see young vines covering our hillsides. But each period poses new challenges for farmers. Extending the longevity of our vineyards by infusing new life into the ailing vines, stopping the ravages of apoplexy, studying in detail the effects of the current pruning systems to understand their advantages or disadvantages and assess their impact on yield and vine vitality, these are some of the most important questions on which you provide a timely and remarkable study. Without delving into the scientific reasons that might have tempted you, you, as a good practitioner, observed, critiqued, and proposed solutions. Others will take up your study and may improve it: the essential thing is that it has been done now. Your modesty and integrity have prompted you to give credit to those who have enlightened you. Thus, you continue to mention Mr. Dezeimeris, who appears to have been a pioneer, and pay tribute to the long-standing experiments of a vinegrower in our country, Mr. Poussard. Anyone who has seen Mr. Poussard in a vineyard, pruning his vines, rejuvenating his stocks, explaining the reasons for their vigor or decline, cannot help but admire the passion with which he cares for the shrub that produces our renowned Cognacs. The perseverance he demonstrated, without a guide, without prior instructions, almost isolated, to understand the effects of pruning and attempt to improve it, deserves general recognition. Perhaps Mr. Guyot took such care in pruning his own vines that he did not have to lament the negative effects we observe today when we entrust the application of his method to many hands, some of which are inexperienced. Moreover, he protected his vines with straw against frosts and all temperature rigors. However, we must acknowledge that the Guyot pruning, as practiced by us, quickly causes our vines to deteriorate. By improving it, we will increase their longevity. There is no need to emphasize the enormous economic impact that would result: establishing a vineyard whose amortization could last forty years instead of twenty-five, preserving or rejuvenating existing vineyards would mean a significant reduction in the production cost. Everyone will benefit from reading and reflecting on your book. Believe, dear Lafon, in our warmest and most grateful regards. James Hennessy, Senator of Charente, President of the Viticulture Committee of the Cognac district Jean Hennessy, Deputy of Charente, President of the Agricultural and Winegrowing Society of the Cognac district