Why Winter at our Vineyard in Provence is Busy

Come December and January; it’s wintertime at Domaine Mirabeau. Even if we are in Provence and the days are generally quite warm here, the nights are chilly and drop to sub-zero temperatures. The trees and vines have lost their last leaves. While it’s time for nature to sleep and repose itself, we, the Domaine Team, are kept busy! Pascal, our Domaine Manager, prunes the vines – we have 14 hectares to keep him busy.

Why Prune?

Pruning is a severe but beneficial part of a grapevine’s life cycle.

The pruning looks harsh, but we know grapes grow on one-year-old wood. Buds on older branches yield leaves or shoots. So, we get rid of the old branches to get fruit on every branch in the next growing season.

Another pruning occurs during veraison (fruit ripening period) in the summer. This is where the grape bunches are thinned out so that all of the bunches will be well-nourished (and not exhaust the vine), so they won’t be too crowded together, allowing air to move freely around them and keep them healthy.

Wine Pro Tip: Grapevine branches are great for BBQing! If you live near a vineyard, ask them to save you some branches next time they prune so you can use them in your BBQ pit.

Some Winter Recipes

The Best Mulled Rosé Wine Recipe

One could say, this seasonal cocktail is back by popular demand! Following the many requests from its warm welcome at Covent Gardens last Christmas, we’re delighted to share the recipe for our mulled rosé wine. Great way to keep warm during these cold winter months. Santé everyone!

Check out this recipe

Provencal Lamb Daube 'Gui Gedda'

This slow-cooked daube is just the thing for cold winter nights. These wonderful aromas wafting through your kitchen as tender lamb cooks gently in a rich, savoury rose and herb-infused broth. And if you have the willpower not to eat it right away, it truly is best made a day in advance and then reheated upon serving.

Check out this recipe

Braised Oxtail with Potato and Celeriac Purée

This dish is suitable for mid-winter chill, slow-cooked, and well-seasoned serve the braised oxtail with potatoes on the side.

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Squash Puree With Cumin

This puree is simple to prepare and a colourful fall/winter weather side dish. Serve with grilled meat or fish.

Check out this recipe

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