CULTIVATION OF CHENIN BLANC CHENIN BLANC ASSOCIATION.

CULTIVATION OF CHENIN BLANCCHENIN BLANC ASSOCIATION

Outline

Introduction

Long term practices

Short term practices

Windmeul Chenin blanc

Questions

Chenin blanc in South Africa

Versatile cultivar

Suitable to most localities & areas

At present – 18 852 ha

Most ha % – Malmesbury 18% Paarl 18% Breedekloof 14%

Total Hectares -1998 to 2008

Production- 1998 to 2008

Chenin blanc

Medium to strong growth

Upright growth pattern

Budding & Harvest relatively early

Internodes short

Watershoots

Capable of high productions

Compact bunch – susceptible to rot

Second crop

Various clones

Long term practices

Planning of vineyard • Critical importance• Identify locality and determine soil potential • Wine objective• Market

Long term practicesSoil preparation

• Deep & buffered root system• Chemical adjustments• Correct method/implement

Soil studies• Row width and plant spacing• Trellis or bush vine (Economy)• Irrigation vs dry land• Planting of vines• Rootstock

Long term practices

Vine training

Bush vine: raised from soil surface

well developed crown

bearer arms equally distributed

Trellis: upright stem

well developed split

cordon arms

bearers well spaced

Objectives of practices

Naturally balanced vineyard

Minimal inputs

Homogenous block & grapes

Canopy well airated & well exposed

Not too vigorous

Short term practices

Correct vine training

Pruning• according to vine potential• correct practices

Canopy management• suckering• tip/top• shoot positioning• leaf removal• according to wine objective

Short term practices

Fertiliser programme

Irrigation

Pest and disease control

Tillage

Harvest planning

Wine style

Market related production

Chemical analysis

Viticultural characteristics

WINDMEUL Chenin blanc

Agter-PaarlPlanted: 1966 and 1979Clone: unknown Soil: Glenrosa & Oakleaf

Rootstock: Metallica, R110 and 101-14 MgtDry land, bush vine Aspect: East Row direction: NW-SO

WINDMEUL Chenin blanc

Pruning: 6 - 8 arms spur pruned

Suckering: crown, stem & arms

Top/Tip: 20-30 cm shoot length follow up

Second crop: removed

Production: 4.5 - 6 T/Ha

WINDMEUL Chenin blanc

Harvest detailsBalling: 24 Acid: 6.7 g/LpH: 3.4

Wine analysisAlcohol: 14%Acid: 6.6 g/LpH: 3.45

RS: 2.6 g/L

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