In-row spacing and shoot thinning for Chardonnay grapevines in the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Almeida, Luciana Wilhelm deMota, Renata Vieira daSouza, Cláudia Rita deSilva, Letícia PereiraFernandes, Fernanda de PaulaMendonça, Tânia dos ReisPeregrino, IsabelaRegina, Murillo de Albuquerque

The quality of sparkling wine reflects the climate and management of vineyard, since these factors affect grape development, berry composition, and base wine composition. Chardonnay vines were subjected to five in-row spacing distances (0.5; 0.75; 1.0; 1.50; and 2.0 m) combined with and without shoot thinning. For each in-row spacing, vines were thinned to 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 shoots per plant. Vegetative growth, yield, berry composition and base wine composition were analyzed for two years. Vines with decreased in-row spacing, presented fewer clusters and malic acid content in berries, mostly related to the shading effect. Shoot thinning increased bud fruitfulness and decreased leaf area per meter, leaf area per plant, and leaf layer number. In-row spacing from 1.5 m to 0.5 m showed promising results for the Southeast Brazil with higher yield per hectare and sufficient acidity to provide freshness in sparkling wines.(AU)

1. Canopy management
2. Sparkling wine
3. Vitis vinifera
4. Grape quality
5. Vine spacing