In March 2004 a decree fixed the necessary requirements for the utilisation of the terms relative to what is known as ‘reasoned agriculture'. The wine property SCEA Montplaisir, member of the Sauveterre de Guyenne Wine Cooperative, did not hesitate to apply and within a few months was awarded the official certification for the management of their 43 hectares of vines.

The aim of this type of production is to generalise good practices in agriculture by taking into account, in a balanced manner, economic objectives, consumer expectations and the environment. The ascription ‘reasoned agriculture' contains some hundred requirements some of which are; the considered use of pesticides and fertilisers, the dealing with effluents and waste products, the putting into effect cultural practices allowing for a respect of the ground and the limitation of pollution, awareness of sanitary security, the improvement both of the working conditions of the workers in vine-growing and their salaries.