This measure (also known as leaf pruning or summer pruning) in the vineyard is carried out several times during the annual growth cycle if necessary. A limited number of leaves are removed from the grape zone. This measure is recommended for short-shoots, densely-leaved grape varieties with compact, densely-berried grapes and thin berry skins, such as Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Kerner, Müller-Thurgau and Scheurebe (Sämling 88). The picture shows defoliation by machine, which is common on larger farms.

Defoliation favours air circulation in the grape zone so that the grapes dry much faster after rain. This protects the ripening fruit from premature botrytis infestation. Defoliation begins two to three weeks after flowering, but not too many leaves should be removed, as the green berries are still at high risk of sunburn until véraison (the start of ripening).
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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)