Winter Pruning: A Fundamental Task That Shapes the Future of the Vine

Winter pruning begins during dormancy, between leaf fall and the start of spring sap flow. Each vine is assessed for age, vigour, vineyard position and its preceding season. Pruning regulates vegetative strength, crop quantity, bunch concentration and vineyard longevity.

Francone uses Guyot throughout its vineyards. The old fruiting cane is removed and a vigorous shoot close to the vine head is retained as the new fruiting cane, normally with 8–10 buds. A nearby renewal spur is shortened to two buds to provide the following year’s wood. The fruiting cane is bent and tied horizontally in spring.

Cuts are clean, angled and positioned about 1–2 cm above the final bud to shed water and reduce infection risk. Respect for sap flow and avoidance of large wounds help preserve vine health. The resulting canopy is designed for good sunlight interception, bunch aeration and balanced ripening.