Overview
According to information presented on its website, Pépinières Viticoles Gentié is a family-run nursery based in Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot, Lot-et-Garonne. The business was founded in 1927 by Elie Gentié and has developed over three generations, currently led by director Patrice Gentié. The site indicates that the company has evolved from its early twentieth-century roots into a modern commercial entity, with an annual production capacity now estimated at approximately 1.5 million grafted vines to supply vineyards across France and international markets.
Resistant Grape Varieties
The website presents an extensive range of grape varieties, including modern disease-resistant cultivars developed to reduce fungal dependency. Among those listed are Floréal, Vidoc, and Voltis, which are part of the INRAE-ResDur program for their resistance to mildew and oidium. The older hybrid Villard Blanc is also included in the catalog. The online material combines these with traditional Vitis vinifera varieties, indicating a diverse offering aimed at evolving viticultural needs, though specific regulatory classifications for each are not fully detailed.
Diversity of Cultivars
Information on the website indicates that the nursery works with a broad selection of over 40 wine grape varieties and approximately 90 clones, as well as various table grapes. Examples mentioned include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, alongside regional varieties such as Abouriou and Prunelard. The company operates as a structured legal entity, and its digital presentation suggests that specific varieties or rare clones may be produced on request to meet the precise requirements of different soil types and climates.
Technical Practices
The company’s website describes several production methods, including specialized grafting techniques. These include Omega grafting, known for its mechanical precision and strong union, and English grafting, which is often used for high-quality manual assemblies. The facility utilizes greenhouses and cold storage to manage the growth cycle. These elements are presented as part of a professional technical workflow, intended to ensure the health and viability of the young plants before they are shipped to winegrowers.
Rootstocks and Production Systems
According to the product information provided online, the nursery offers multiple rootstocks to suit various environmental conditions, including 101-14 MGt, 110 R, and SO4. It describes producing both field-grown grafted vines and container-grown plants. The use of biodegradable pots is highlighted as an option for sustainable planting. This system is designed to comply with general viticultural standards, providing growers with options for both traditional vineyard establishment and modern, environmentally conscious replanting projects.
Environmental and Quality Approach
The website refers to environmental practices such as mechanical soil management and reduced herbicide use. It emphasizes certifications such as High Environmental Value (HVE) and Vitipep's, which are specific to French nursery quality and environmental standards. While the text previously alluded to ISO 9001, current records focus on these agricultural and environmental labels. These certifications are presented as part of the nursery’s commitment to quality management and sustainable viticulture within the framework of French agricultural regulations.