Techniques in the vineyard

Arrangement of vineyards | Training styles | Integrated Production of Grapes | Grape harvesting

Arrangement of vineyards

Since the Goriška Brda is a hilly region without flat surfaces, more than a third of our vineyards are terraced facing the sun. On certain parts of the hills where vines grow, the terrace gradient exceeds is more than 50%.

Figure: Preparation of terraces where a vineyard will be situated

In damp areas and where the soil is heavier the vineyards are grassed, which results in a steady growth of vines: this, in turn, is reflected in a high quality grape crop.

Figure: Grassed vineyard

The new system of the preparation of terraces and a new method of planting vines has enabled us to increase the density of vines from 3,000 to 5,000 and more, per hectare. With the same yield per hectare, the higher density of vines has allowed us to take the load off of individual vines, which is reflected in increased sugar and concentration of minerals, antocyans, phenols, acids and other substances in the grapes.

Training styles

In the past, there was the prevalence of cordon style training (Casarsa, Sylvoz) with the exception of Rebula which has known the low espalier-training style from its very beginnings.

In recent year trellising styles and vineyards have seen a thorough restructuring in general. From the high cordon training styles, they have passed to lower espalier styles which enable a lower load of grapes per vine, a better exposure to the sun’s rays and, of course, the resulting quality.

Today, 60% of vines are Double Guyot, 15% Single Guyot while the rest of the vines are Casarsa, Sylvoz and the cordon style, cut to the eye.

Figure: Double Guyot training style

IPG – Integrated Production of Grapes

Most of the vineyards are involved in the integrated production of grapes which means that the application of fertilizers and phyto-pharmaceutical agents is limited, registered and controlled. The method of training is set out in the Rules in Integrated Production of Grapes and Wine. This method, more environmentally friendly, allows protection of users and ensures transparency.

Grape harvesting

The Wine Cellar Goriška Brda is sworn to quality. This is why harvesting of grapes is without exception manual, the latter being the only way of careful picking and prompt removal of damaged and unripe grapes.