What does a vine really experiences when it is in a good “terroir” or during a “good vintage”? To uncover the “terroir” or the “vintage” effect on vine activity, the best is simply to ask directly the plant. In other words, the best is to measure directly on the vine how it responds to the […]
The recent heat wave experienced after the rain last week (June 24th -25th) illustrated very well a classic misconception about vine water use. For years, people have considered that “drippy” leaves or “folded” leaves were a reliable sign of soil water deficit. However, after the last rainfall in Napa, while leaves were showing […]
Fundamentally, the purpose of irrigation is to help the vine regulating its transpiration in order to make the best possible fruit. As such, deciding how to irrigate should not focus on soil moisture content but rather on plant transpiration before, during and after irrigation. Indeed, the relationship between soil moisture […]
The climatic context before and after budbreak plays a very important role in shaping the vintage effect. Temperature accumulation and soil moisture availability initialize the plant cycle with carry over consequences that can last until harvest. Before budbreak: Abundance or scarcity of water in the ground will affect root activity. […]
The Fruition blog is dedicated to dissecting current vintage effect on vineyard production worldwide. It is rooted in research in oenology and viticulture and is based on vine physiological data. It provides well-informed insights on how the ongoing vintage is shaping the vineyard and ultimately the wine. On a regular […]
