🌿 Canopy (grape)
The leaves and shoots of the vine that catch the sun and shade the bunches.
The canopy is all the leaves and shoots of the vine above ground. They catch sunlight and shelter the bunches. The leaves’ job is photosynthesis: from light, water and carbon dioxide they make sugar. That sugar feeds the vine and fills the berries.
The quality of the grapes depends on the canopy. If there are too few leaves, the berries ripen poorly. If there are too many, the inside of the canopy becomes crowded and dark, air does not pass through and disease grows. So growers manage the canopy: they tie up shoots, trim extra ones and thin leaves.
One measure is leaf removal around the bunches. It is done so that the bunches have better airflow and get more light. But if too much is removed, the berries may be scorched by the sun.
The canopy is directly linked to wine: it affects the amount of sugar, acid and aroma. This is one reason why wine from the same variety differs from year to year. Canopy work is a yearly task in the vineyard.
What it includes
Links
- Next step
- 🌿 Leaf removal
- Works with
- 🍷 Photosynthesis
- Part of
- 🍷 Wine
Frequently asked questions
What is the vine canopy?
The leaves and shoots of the vine that catch sun and shelter the bunches.
Why do growers remove leaves?
So the bunches get better airflow and light. This helps against disease.
How does the canopy affect wine?
It determines how much sugar and aroma the berries gather, so it influences the taste of the wine.
Similar
🌿 Viticulture · 🌿 Pruning shears · 🌿 Sustainable viticulture · 🌿 Sulphur dusting · 🌿 Cutting · 🌿 Vintage