II.1.9 Control of the sugar content of grapes

Definition:

An increase in the natural sugar content of grape berries by viticultural techniques.

Objective:

To achieve an optimal composition of the crop by moderating yield and controlling vigour.

Prescriptions:

The objective can be reached by a choice of different factors such as:

a)        Soil and climate,

b)       Varieties, clones and rootstocks,

c)        Optimum planting density and vineyard management,

and by the application of the following viticultural practices:

• Balanced loading of buds on the vine,
• Maintenance and moderate fertilisation of the soil,
• Performing the operations of the annual vegetative period of the vine at an opportune time, without excessive trimming,
• Supplementary irrigation in dry zones,
• Occasional thinning of bunches,
• Reasonable use of pesticides,
• Harvest at optimal maturity,
• Natural raisining on the vine, late harvesting.

Recommendation of OIV:

Admitted