Pruning is the first quality measure in the winemaker’s year. Already at the beginning of the year, yield level and stock load are determined.
Several cutting techniques are in use worldwide. For a long time the double cordon education was the predominant cutting technique in Austria.
In recent years the guyot system has become very popular. The major advantage is faster pruning in winter and easier foliage work, especially for Grüner Veltliner. This technique prevents the strong growth of the watersprout on the old wood, caused by the variety.
In the video the Guyot technique with straightener and replacement pin is used.
Other types of training systems are the Pergola education, which is practiced in Southern Tyrol, Italy. The lyra education is not widely spread, especially in Austria. However, it offers the big advantage of a higher foliage area and thus also better photosynthesis output.
The goblet education is used particularly in southern wine-growing countries such as France or Spain and Portugal, although a high input of manual labour is required.
A clean cut is the basis for a well spaced training system and subsequent green work in the summer.
Depending on the variety, location and climate, the number of buds is fixed and then the shoot is shortened. Only a healthy and adequately supplied shoot may be cut.
For optimum distribution of the juice flow, a cane is cut both on the left and on the right side.
Overhanging tendrils are removed which greatly facilitates the subsequent work of tying.
At the same time, the spare cane can be removed from the training system and placed in the middle of the vine line.
It will be chopped later on and remains in the form of organic matter in the vineyards.
