PRODUCTION METHODS
The method of vine training has changed over the years. In fact throughout almost all the vineyards the system has changed from the pergola to the vertical trellis or espalier system. This allows maximum exposure to sunshine and therefore higher concentration of sugars and aromas, albeit reducing the yield. The average curvature of each vine is 2m x 80cm and the average number of leading shoots per hectare is 28.000-30.000. Production has therefore settled at approx. 5-6 tonnes/ha. The company normally carries out shoot thinning to promote maximum exposure of the bunches of grapes to sunlight and to eliminate the bunches of grapes that are either unexposed or underexposed on the vines. The lower region of the infructescence is also pruned. All these measures are taken to prevent the vines from suffering water stress and to foster sugar-concentration.
The protection of the vines from disease is carried out esclusively using products that are permitted by the regulations governing organic production methods. Bordeaux mixture is used right from the beginning against downy mildew with the addition of wettable sulphur to control powdery mildew. This disease is also combatted via treatment of the buds and by using powdered sulphur before the bunches reach full maturity.
Grey mould or botrytis is combatted agronomical by employing open vine-training and using bentonite, Breton ameliorant and propolis. In the forefront of the fight against moths ( Lobelia Botrana and Eupecilia Ambiguella on vines and Prays Oleae on olive trees) is the practise of monitoring peaks in the hatching season and, when necessary, using Bacillus thuringiensis -based preparations.
The olive fly ( Dacus oleae ) is controlled by using light traps and sex-pheromone-based traps, and early harvesting in the case of serious infestation. This year an attempt will be made to prevent fly infestation via mass trapping. The company's vines have never been attacked by grape mite or been subject to corky bark. Monitoring for the presence of the leafhopper, carrier of this plant disease, will start from this year. Another minor disease for us is black measles (esca disease) which is ‘cured' by uprooting the vine on appearance of the first symptoms and leaving the hole open for at least two years.