China - Vineyard Mangement

Question 1

How were vines traditionally planted in China?

Answer 1

Ungrafted vines (no phylloxera) either as
1) Multi-cordon Fan System (multiple cordons grown from a v low trunk - table grape industry)
2) Single Dragon System (single trunk at angle as spur-pruned cordon)

Question 2

What is the purpose of these two training systems?

Answer 2

to carry high yields, lack a single fruiting zone - can lead to uneven ripening

Question 3

What do wineries now use?

Answer 3

spur-pruned Chang shaped system = trunk trained in bended form allowing for easier burrial, plus unified fruiting zone.

Question 4

What are the issues with some vineyard practices in China?

Answer 4

Dense canopies, high irrigation and excessive fertilisation = poor fruit quality

Question 5

What is the issue with the grape varieties grown?

Answer 5

Cab Sav and Carmenère are prone to green unripe flavours

Question 6

What is the political issue for vines in China?

Answer 6

The government own all the land in China. Making site-specific changes is extremely difficult to manage.

Question 7

What adds to the cost in China’s vineyards?

Answer 7

Burying vines adds 20-30% production costs - a mix of manual and mechanisation work
labour availability and younger generations not wishing to work in vineyards, esp near cities