Effects of Espalier and Trellis Trainings Cultivation on Must and Wine Qualities of ‘Koshu’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’

Abstract

Effects of espalier and trellis trainings cultivation under the same products per area on must and wine qualities of ‘Koshu’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapevines were investigated during 3 years from 1991 (5 year old vines) to 1993 (7 year old vines)
Average cluster weights and soluble solid contents of musts at full maturity showed no clear difference between training styles, but slightly lower acidity of musts on espalier training was derived from defoliation of fruits zone and basal leaves in early September. However, meteorological conditions for the period of the years concerned made much more difference than training systems did. The G/F and T/M values suggested that maturity of grape berries on espalier training was higher than those on trellis training.
There was virtually no difference in wine quality between training styles, but in the year of good meteorological conditions for grapevines, musts of ‘C abernet Sauvignon’ under espalier training cultivation seemed to give better quality wine.