The choice of grape trellising system can have a significant impact on the flavor concentration in sparkling wine. Different trellising systems affect the way sunlight reaches the grape clusters, the airflow around the vines, and the overall vineyard environment. These factors can influence grape ripening, sugar accumulation, acidity levels, and ultimately the flavor profile of the resulting wine.
Effects of trellising systems on flavor concentration
- Vine canopy exposure: The way grapevines are trained and arranged on a trellis can impact the amount of sunlight that reaches the grape clusters. More sunlight exposure can lead to increased sugar production through photosynthesis, resulting in riper grapes with higher sugar levels.
- Airflow and disease prevention: Certain trellising systems, such as vertical shoot positioning, allow for better airflow through the vine canopy. Improved airflow can reduce the risk of mold and mildew development, which can negatively impact grape health and flavor concentration.
- Canopy management: Trellising systems also influence canopy management practices, such as leaf removal and shoot thinning. These practices can affect the balance between sugar ripeness and acidity in the grapes, resulting in wines with different flavor profiles.
Popular trellising systems in sparkling wine production
Several trellising systems are commonly used in vineyards that produce grapes for sparkling wine production. Each system has its own advantages and can impact flavor concentration in unique ways:
- Vertical shoot positioning (VSP): This trellising system trains grapevines vertically, allowing for better airflow and sunlight exposure. VSP can lead to more consistent ripening and balanced flavor development in sparkling wine grapes.
- Scott Henry: The Scott Henry trellis system involves a divided canopy with two layers of foliage. This system can help control vine vigor and sunlight exposure, leading to more concentrated flavors in the grapes.
- Smart-Dyson: The Smart-Dyson trellis system combines elements of VSP and Scott Henry, providing a balance between canopy management and sunlight exposure. This system can result in complex flavor profiles in sparkling wines.
Impact on specific grape varieties
Different grape varieties respond differently to trellising systems, which can affect the flavor concentration in sparkling wine made from those grapes:
- Chardonnay: Chardonnay grapes, commonly used in sparkling wine production, benefit from trellising systems that provide ample sunlight exposure. This allows for optimal ripening and development of the grape’s natural acidity, resulting in bright, crisp flavors in the wine.
- Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir grapes thrive in trellising systems that promote even ripening and airflow. Systems like VSP can help maintain the balance between sugar and acidity in Pinot Noir grapes, leading to complex and well-rounded flavors in sparkling wine.
- Pinot Meunier: Pinot Meunier grapes, often used in sparkling wine blends, benefit from trellising systems that control vine vigor and sunlight exposure. The Scott Henry trellis system, for example, can help enhance the fruity and floral characteristics of Pinot Meunier in sparkling wines.