Reduction of the grapes as a quality-improving measure in the vineyard, also known as thinning, berry thinning, green pruning and green harvest, as well as the French vendange vert (green harvest) or éclaircissage. The reason for this is that high yields and high grape quality are mutually exclusive.
The removal of grapes increases the accumulation of various substances in the remaining grapes on the vine. The positive effects are an increase in extract substances, a higher must weight, optimisation of the leaf-fruit ratio, a higher colour intensity in red wines and better resistance to drought. Apart from the general increase in quality, a positive long-term effect can be achieved, especially with young vines, as these can develop much better.
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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)