🌿 Planting density

Planting density is the number of vines growing on one hectare. It varies greatly: from 2000-3000 vines in some areas to 10,000 or more in others.

Why does it matter? The more closely vines are planted, the more they compete for water and nutrients. The roots go deeper, and each vine bears fewer bunches. Yield per vine falls, and the berries are more concentrated. In old European areas, for example Burgundy, vines are planted densely. In newer wine countries they are often planted wider apart so that plots are easier to work with machinery.

The choice of density depends on soil, climate, grape and the wine wanted. Dense planting needs more labour and cost, so the wine is more expensive. Planting density is tied to the concept of the vineyard and to yield: it decides how many grapes the owner gets per hectare. For wine lovers it is one sign of how the grower manages the plot. Such details are not usually on the label but can be found in the estate's description.