Wine lect8

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Introduction to Vines and Wines

Hort/VE 113 Fall 2012Session 8-Grape Growing

training training

Spur pruning:

Spur: 2 to 4 buds each

Spurs spaced 8 to 12 inches apartp p p

Generally leave 35 to 75 buds/vine—cv. and vigor dependent!

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Spur Pruning

Cane Pruning• Buds are retained on longer canes

• Usually a single or double cane system

• Last year’s cane is yremoved

• Shoots from replacement spur are cut to produce a 2 node replacement spur and a cane with 6-15 buds

Cane Pruning

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•the state at which vegetative and reproductive growth lead to the most “balanced” vine.

•defined and calculated as the ratio between in i ld nd in i

Vine Balance

vine yield and vine size,

•represents reproductive (fruit) and vegetative (wood) production of the vine

•A complex relationship•dictated by the soil, environment, and overall production capacity of the vineyard.

•EnvironmentS il

Vine Balance

•Soils•Water availability•Cultivar/Rootstock•Vineyard design (spacing, trellis system)

•The grapevine reflects its environment.

• inherent growth potential of vine b d

•vine spacing, pruning, trellis, and yields need to be determined to allow the vine to reach a

Vine Balance

based on:• the vineyard site (soils, precipitation, climate) and the

• plant material (cultivar and rootstock).

balance of canopy and fruit growth on that site.

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vines on a site with limited resources are weaker and have less carbon available for the current season’s growth and less in reserves for the following seasons.

Photos courtesy of Patty Skinkis, Oregon State University

Smaller vines lower yields

Vines with relatively unlimited resources and climate (sun and heat units) are able to produce the maximum amount of carbon for fruit production, vegetative production, vegetative growth and reserves for the next season’s growth

larger vines and higher yields

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1vZHwrp8H0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lula7WUoZlo

Pruning VisualsVertical shoot position ‘Concord’

Guyot system –head trained and cane pruned

http //www.youtube.com/watch?v lula7WUoZlo

Comparison of spur- and cane-pruning systemshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCs03Mc2HKM

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Training Vines in eastern Washington

System: bilateral cordon

Lesson objectives:

1.Learn the basic system, bilateral cordon, used for wine grapes

2.Recognize the variations of the cordon system

3.Understand the importance of vine training

4.Understand the importance of a trellis

Bilateral Cordonhttp://viticulture.hort.iastate.edu/info/pdf/domototrellis.pdf

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Typical Bilateral Cordon System in Eastern Washington

Bilateral cordon system is simple to establish and maintain

Typical Bilateral Cordon System in eastern Washington

Note the 2 trunks and 2 cordons on these vines

Note the trellis supporting the vine.

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Topping before pruning =“Hedged”‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ vines

Growers often save time and money by pre-pruning with machines

Bilateral cordon is truly adaptable to sandy soils…

Photo taken near Osoyoos, B.C., Canada—K. Williams

Notice the double support wires at the top

On sandy soils, vines are spaced closely to compensate for low vigor.

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Cayuse Vineyards--’Syrah’ a la Rhone style

This vineyard has “cobble” soils which help keep vines warm during the winter. Fruit ripening in the fall is also enhanced.

This vine is trained to a bilateral cordon with short spurs

The trunk is looped to reduce vine vigor. Also note that the spurs have only one bud, so the grower is managing for low yields.

2-yr-old ‘Chardonnay vines--Yakima Valley

Note the number of support wires for this young vineyard’s trellis system. Also note the angled end posts.

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Notice the double trunk and the cordons

Where do you see the irrigation line? Look at the first wire…

The grower will select the permanent framework this season.

The grower will choose 2 permanent trunks and 2 cordons.

The “Scott Henry”system is a variation of the cordon system specifically for vigorous vines

and soils.

Remember, balance is critical to keeping vines and crops consistent.

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Scott Henry Diagramhttp://www.henryestate.com/trellis.asp

This vineyard is trained to a divided canopy--in B.C., Canada

A divided canopy splits the framework of the vine

Another divided canopy in Walla Walla, WA--notice the spurs

Downward pointing spurs are less vigorous.

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The spurs are “upward” and “downward”--weird but good!

For this grower, his variation of the bilateral cordon system allows the crop and canopy to achieve balance.

Bilateral cordon-trained 20-yr-old ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ vine

Notice the gray, “shaggy” bark that is typical of wine grapes.

Close-up of the spur system as the spurs get older

In essence, the spurs need to eventually be regrownand trained when the system gets unwieldly.

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Notice that the vines are planted on ridges or berms

A berm is typically used on heavy soils to improve drainage and rooting

Where are the support wires located for the vine and fruit?

Note the flower clusters in the center of this new shoot.

For small-clustered varieties, growers leave longer spurs

Bilateral cordon with long spur pruning—Sauvignon blanc

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Minimally pruned ‘Concord’ vines have been established in the Yakima Valley for many years.

The training of this vine is basically benign neglect!

‘Syrah’ can be vigorous--and needs shoot training to letlight into the canopy. (the “Before” photo)

In July, excessive shoots are removed to allow light into the canopy.

The “After” photo--lots of light for the clusters and the canopy.

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Trellis: Support the vine and fruit to improve the yield of high-quality fruit.

• Good fruit and canopy light exposure

• Improved disease and pest mgmt.

• Improved pruning and harvesting

2-3 Wire Vertical

Geneva Double Curtain

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Geneva Double Curtain

Scott Henry Diagramhttp://www.henryestate.com/trellis.asp

Scott Henry – East

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Scott Henry -West

http://www.henryestate.com/trellis.asp

Smart Dyson

Smart Dyson

Upper Spur

Lower Spur

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