Harvest in winemaking refers to the picking of grapes at the end of the growing season when they have reached optimal ripeness. The timing of the harvest is crucial, as it affects the sugar, acidity, and flavour profiles of the grapes, ultimately influencing the style and quality of the wine. […]
Viticulture
Ice harvest refers to the process of picking grapes in freezing temperatures for the production of Ice Wine (Eiswein). This method concentrates the sugars and acids in the grapes, as water inside them freezes, but the sugar does not. The resulting wines are rich, sweet, and have a balanced acidity, […]
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecological approach in viticulture that combines different strategies for pest and disease control with minimal impact on the environment, vineyard ecosystem, and human health. IPM aims to manage pests and diseases through a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods, reducing the reliance […]
Leaf removal is a vineyard practice where leaves are selectively removed from the grapevine to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure to the grape clusters. This can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases, enhance grape ripening, and improve fruit concentration and quality. Leaf removal must be carefully managed to […]
A microclimate refers to the local atmospheric conditions in a specific area, which can vary significantly from the surrounding region. In viticulture, microclimates influence grape growth and development, affecting factors such as temperature, sunlight, and humidity. Understanding and managing microclimates is essential for producing quality grapes and wine, as they […]
Organic in winemaking refers to practices that exclude the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides in the vineyard. Organic winemaking aims to maintain ecological balance, promote biodiversity, and rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods. Organic wines are made with grapes grown according […]
The peduncle is the stem that attaches the grape cluster to the vine. In viticulture, its health and strength are important for nutrient and water transport to the grapes. The condition of the peduncle can impact grape development and ripeness, influencing the quality of the harvest.
Pegging down is a viticultural technique where vine shoots or canes are bent and secured to the ground to promote horizontal growth. This can encourage the development of secondary shoots, potentially increasing fruitfulness or managing vine growth in a desired direction for better sunlight exposure and air circulation.
Biodynamic winemaking is a holistic approach to viticulture, treating the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. This method follows organic practices, avoiding chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and incorporates philosophical and astrological concepts, such as planting and harvesting according to the lunar calendar. Biodynamic wines are said to reflect their terroir more […]
The pergola is a trellising system used in viticulture where grapevines are trained to grow on a framework of overhead beams. This method allows for maximized leaf area exposure to sunlight, improving photosynthesis and grape ripening. It’s common in regions with high sun exposure to protect grapes from sunburn while […]