Pruning
Pruning is perhaps the most important job in the vineyard. It is an activity that sets the basis for the whole of the rest of the year and, to some extent, for the year after too.
We have opted for a single cane and a spur. At the time of pruning the vine is
assessed, the best possible options for both cane and spur are identified
and the rest of the wood is cut away. The cane is the primary bearer
of the fruit for the coming year and the small spur provides the growth
for the basis of following year's cane. The length of cane and spur is determined
by the number of buds that remain - with the objective of growing one
bunch of grapes per bud.
There are many considerations to take into account before and during pruning, including;
- Number of buds for the cane: To achieve the best possible quality of fruit it is necessary to limit the vines growth. In our first year we broadly halved the number of buds that are left on each cane. At the same time it is necessary to ensure that you have enough grapes to make a reasonable volume of wine.
- Overlapping canes: Where canes overlap (see also tying down) the fruit for the separate canes becomes entangled and tightly bunched which can cause berries to be crushed with the subsequent entry of pests and diseases along with the restriction of air and sun to the bunches. Not good.
- Cane height: The objective is to tie each cane flat along the lower fruiting wire - this enables a more even distribution of grape bunches (better for ripening, aeration etc) - the height of the base of the cane determines if this is possible.
- Effect on the crown of the vine: The crown, or head, of the vine can spread with each year's pruning. As a result the crown can become large leaving it open to pests and diseases and causing bunches to be distributed unevenly. Pruning needs to take this into account and ensure the crown stays compact.
As with many activities in the vines pruning is a case of sizing up the options and making the best possible compromise.
