The Vineyard Manager

The vineyard manager can influence the way his vines are growing, and every vineyard and variety needs its own unique consideration. Two basic principles include capacity or vigour of plants and canopy management. Pruning and watering are important ways to influence these principles once a vineyard has been established. In such a dry country as Australia, irrigation is important to achieve economic return in many, if not most, but not all locations. Irrigation strategies not only influence the capacity of vines but may also be used to directly influence the quality of grapes. Here is where the struggling vine concept comes in. It is believed that “struggling vines”, ie. short of perfect growth conditions – for example, due to reduced water or nutrient uptake – may produce higher quality wine. Is it possible to separate crop load in relation to energy input and struggle? I think so, although the two are somewhat interconnected. One question to answer then is whether a struggling vine produces fruit with more flavour than a medium-sized or big vine? Could it be that a “struggling” vine spends more of his energy on his offspring than a happier vine?