Code International des pratiques œnologiques

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Control of the sugar content of grapes

II.1.9 Control of the sugar content of grapes

Definition:

An increase in the natural sugar content of grape berries by viticultural techniques.

Objective:

To achieve an optimal composition of the crop by moderating yield and controlling vigour.

Prescriptions:

The objective can be reached by a choice of different factors such as:

a)        Soil and climate,

b)       Varieties, clones and rootstocks,

c)        Optimum planting density and vineyard management,

and by the application of the following viticultural practices:

  • Balanced loading of buds on the vine,
  • Maintenance and moderate fertilisation of the soil,
  • Performing the operations of the annual vegetative period of the vine at an opportune time, without excessive trimming,
  • Supplementary irrigation in dry zones,
  • Occasional thinning of bunches,
  • Reasonable use of pesticides,
  • Harvest at optimal maturity,
  • Natural raisining on the vine, late harvesting.

Recommendation of OIV:

Admitted