Lutte raisonnée, or ‘reasoned struggle,’ is a French approach to viticulture that balances organic principles with pragmatic interventions. Unlike organic or biodynamic farming, it allows for synthetic treatments but only as a last resort, prioritising soil health, biodiversity, and minimal chemical use. Sustainable viticulture extends this ethos globally, integrating cover crops, composting, integrated pest management, and water conservation to maintain vineyard resilience. Many top estates now embrace these methods, ensuring long-term soil vitality while reducing environmental impact. As climate challenges intensify, sustainable viticulture represents a crucial middle ground between tradition and modern ecological responsibility.
