In the vineyards, it is time to prepare for spring. Belgian wine reached production records last year and winegrowers are hoping that 2023 will also be a good year. They started pruning the vines following winter to get the best possible fruit.
In this vineyard in the heart of Ans, it is time to prune the vines: this is the first step in preparing for the grape harvest. And it’s done the old-fashioned way here, almost like Salvatore’s father did in Sicily before him.
“The ancients said ‘prune early, prune late, nothing beats pruning in March’. Even if we try to acquire modern techniques, we always stay in between”says Salvatore Carvona, owner of the slopes of the Légia in Ans.
And there is work… Fifteen volunteers responded to the call. Cutting the vines is an art that Salvatore will teach them throughout the day. Armed with their secateurs and brushes, novices and seasoned pickers have half a hectare of vines to maintain. It is also an opportunity to meet up with friends and enjoy a day in the fresh air.
“We will try to do our best to have good wine in September. It’s very pleasant, but physically it’s very tiring because everything is on a slope. In the evening I can feel it: it makes me a day of sport “smiles Anne, volunteer in the winemaker.
The next stage is the harvest of the grapes in September, before being able to taste these new cuvées of pinot gris or pinot noir 100% from Liège.