The vines (Semillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle) have an average age of between 30 and 40 years and are planted at a density of 6,600 vines per hectare. Each year the fruit of the vine patiently awaits the progressive invasion of the noble fungus called botrytis cinerea. The vintage, in accordance with tradition, is still brought in by hand by means of successive selective pickings. Each individual grape is only snipped off once it has achieved a perfect state of "rôti", that is to say, when it is shrivelled up and fully concentrated. Three to five pickings are usually necessary. This varies depending upon all the combined conditions for making great Sauternes. The average size of the vintage is minimal and is situated between 12 and 15 hectolitres per hectare.