This first work of a new vintage is a decisive factor for the yield and quality of a wine. Without pruning, the vine would sprawl uncontrollably and grow new canes every year from the buds of each of last year's shoots, which would continue to spread out in tiers while the lower canes become woody. As the grapes are only ever formed on one-year-old wood, pruning ensures a balance (physiological equilibrium) between yield (generative growth) and growth (vegetative growth) without too much old, unproductive wood being formed. The choice of the appropriate method depends on the soil type (fertile/infertile), the vine training (single stake, wire frame, pergola), the climate (humid, dry), the grape variety (fertility, tendency to coulure), the rootstock and local conditions.
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)