Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/590181
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m N o v - D e c 2 015 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 3 5 + Steps taken during vineyard design can contribute to lower-alcohol wines. + A VSP with cross-arms helps prevent overexposure to light and heat. + In most North American vineyards, a northeast to southwest row orientation balances light and heat exposure on both sides of the canopy. + Setting up a vineyard to reduce pyrazines and malate is essential when planning for low-alcohol wines. + Before planting, take the time to gather comprehen- sive site data. AT A GLANCE here has been a lot of buzz lately about low-alcohol wines, and most of the discussion has centered on farm- ing techniques for achieving phenological ripeness and balance at lower alcohols. However, there are considerations dur- ing the vineyard design and development phases that will influence light exposure and grape maturation, and facilitate future farming practices that help achieve pheno- lic ripeness at lower Brix. A comprehensive development plan with forethought as to how you expect to farm in the future, and goals for wine qual- ity and style, will save time and money in the long run. According to Garrett Buckland, partner at Premiere Viticulture, a vineyard consult- ing company based in Napa, Calif., one of the most important tools for manipulat- ing wine quality is managing the sunlight on the fruit. "Trellis choices fit squarely in this equation, where light exposure and the resulting fruit temperature are often the largest variables," he said. "In general, this is best achieved with a system that allows for easy control over the number of leaves per shoot, allows for removal of the great- est amount of laterals and extends the period of time when fruit is not exposed to high temperatures. "In most situations," he noted, "this is a vertically shoot-positioned canopy (VSP) with cross-arms installed. Theoretically, any trel- lis that provides you with the ability to limit the number of leaves per shoot, and the leaf density throughout the canopy, will work. We are often looking for no more than four to five leaf layers all the way through the can- opy. Dappled light on the fruit and sufficient dappled light exposure on the wood of the canes is essential." Dr. Kristin Lowe, presi- dent of Vine Balance Con- sulting in Napa, agrees that managing light and heat exposure is essential. "One of the keys to achiev- ing phenolic ripeness at lower Brix is to avoid over- exposure in the fruit zone that can lead to dehydra- tion, and thus, rapid sugar increase," she said. "If this is a potential issue for the vineyard, you need to con- sider vine architecture that provides afternoon side-sun protection." F o r t h i s r e a s o n , s h e said, many growers have moved from straight VSP to a modified VSP system w i t h c r o s s - a r m s . " T h e hotter the climate, or the higher propensity for heat Considerations during development can facilitate ripeness at lower Brix Vineyard Design for Low-Alcohol Wines Garrett Buckland of Premiere Viticulture says dap- pled sunlight on the fruit and canes is essential. SOIL & CELLAR REMI COHEN