Winter in the vineyard – the life cycle and pruning of the vine
Ermes Vianelli has no doubts: the work of vine cultivators is always demanding and requires various important activities to be done in the winter period, when the vines have entered into a phase of resting until the following spring.
The principle work is that of pruning which varies depending on if the vines are already used for the production or are being grown for future production cycles. In the case of the second scenario the aim of the pruning is to help develop the correct structure of the plant. Instead, for the vines already used for the production it is necessary to identify the “capo a frutto” (the principle branch from which the bunches will grow from), and to regulate the potential strength and yield of the bunches.
Winter in the vineyard – why the pruning must be done by hand
The pruning must be carried out by hand by the cultivators with the most experience using their skills developed in the fields. They prune each single vine at a time, carefully evaluating the health of the plant.
This careful and precise activity helps improve the equilibrium of the plant and it also includes the removal of any parts infected/damaged by fungi or parasites that might threaten the healthy life of the vine. In this way the plant is better prepared to live through the next winter of its life. As everybody knows, the older the plants become the better the quality of grapes produced and consequently the easier the work of the oenologist will be.
Therefore it’s no coincidence that an almost philosophical proverb (much liked by Ermes Vianelli) says “il vino si fa in vigna”, or in english “ a wine’s high quality begins in the vineyard”. Here at Terre d’Aenòr we are organic even in the strictest definition of the term and we are very proud to honor the traditions of Franciacorta.
Other activities during winter
As the temperature starts to drop it is necessary to adjust the irrigation system in order to help the ground absorb the increased level of precipitation and consequently avoid pools of stagnant water occurring.
The to do list also includes agricultural activities such as organic fertilization and subsoiling in order to help the oxygenation of the soil, which is an important process for the microorganisms in the soil.
Winter in the vineyard – never ending work
The wine producer never gets bored. There is always something to do in every period of the year. It is a fascinating process, where no two years are ever exactly the same, due to the variability of the climatic conditions which impact greatly on the personality of the product. Year by year our team increases its professional experience and knowledge.
