Thinning the Grapes

It’s summer and in only a few weeks time we’ll be thinking about the harvest already. There’s only one very important task left to do in the vineyards. Thinning the grapes!

On the picture you can see what this is about. Part of the grapes, shoots and leafes are removed from the vines for several reasons. The most important is quality of the leftover grapes. We reduce the yield so that the vines can concentrate all their power into the remaining grapes. They are thus getting sweeter, richer, fuller bodied and so on - many good things that help us creating awesome wines after the harvest.

As a side effect, we’re also loosen up the grape-area. This lets wind pass through much more easily and helps with drying the grapes should there be any moisture. Less moisture means less trouble with fungi - Good!

The photo shows Zweigelt. It does look a bit crass to be honest, having all that grapes lying on the ground. But it has to be that way, especially with Zweigelt. This vine can in good years (like the current) yield a lot if one is not careful! Other cultivars usually require less thinning. But when taking a picture, why not one where one can REALLY see what it is about.