THE CHARTER

Faugeres has decided to become involved in environmental issues within its appellation. An ambitious charter has been drawn up under the slogan "Careful cultivation protects the environment"; those winemarkers who sign the charter will qualify for a seal of approval. In 1996 the Technical Committee produced its Charter, which is a list of the responsibilities which the wine-maker or grape-grower must adopt if he is to qualify. The charter favours the use of natural fertilisers, the protection of flora and the working of the soil, the use of the least aggressive and most suitable phyto-sanitary products. In the Faugeres region, three weather stations are linked by modem to the Appellation offices. Phyto-sanitary advice is sent to the growers directly by Fax, thus avoiding the need for constant, systematic chemical treatment of the vineyards. Four articles which make up the Charter. Article 1: SOIL IMPROVEMENT - USE OF FERTILISERS The winemaker agrees to improve his soil taking care to use possible natural products or those with slow degradability and weak solubility, so as to avoid polluting streams and underground water sources. He agrees also to carry out or to have carried out soil analyses in order to ensure that the fertility of the soil is maximized. Article 2: WEEDKILLING - WORKING THE SOIL The winemaker agrees to gradually stop the use of residuary weed-killers. The practice of natural, controlled grassing and the working of the soil between the rows of vines are encouraged. Article 3: PHYTOSANITARY PROTECTION The grower agrees to put into practice those viticultural methods which aim to decrease phytosanitary risks, such as moderate nitrate fertilisation, correction of soil deficiencies, aeration of the vine-trunks, pruning in accordance with the He also agrees to respect the treatment advice published by the Appellation offices, using those products least harmful to the environment. In certain instances of risk, or in circumstances beyond the individual's control, he may on his own initiative proceed to such treatments which he judges indispensable. Whatever the circumstances, the winemaker agrees to abandon the principle and use of systematic chemical disease prevention. Article 4: INSPECTION - ISSUE OF THE SEAL OF APPROVAL The winemaker agrees to undergo inspection by the Faugeres Appellation technical committee, or by any other person designated to carry out this function. The inspection may be carried out during the season or afterwards, on presentation of purchase invoices. The winemaker also agrees to the inspection of his treatment equipment in order to check its conformity and state of function. Following discussion of the findings, the Faugeres Appellation technical committee will propose the issue (or refusal) of the seal of approval "Careful cultivation and protection of the environment". Proposals for certification under the charter will be ratified by the Directors of the Faugeres Appellation offices.