Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 2.7 Examples of High-Density Planting in Some Australian Vineyards
Influenced perhaps by the high planting densities (10,000 vines per ha) in Grand
CruandPremierCruvineyardsoftheCôted'Orregion,France,someAustralian
winegrowers have established vineyards at similar densities, even on high-potential
sites. Often these producers will also use low-input organic and/or biodynamic
methods.AnexampleinigureB2.7.1showsown-rootedPinotNoirvines
growing on a black earth derived from basalt in the Geelong region, Victoria,
Australia. Low nutrient inputs, minimal irrigation, and a complete grass-clover
crop subdue the vigor of these vines. Young vineyards of similar style are also found
in the Yarra Valley region, Victoria.
Figure B2.7.1
PinotNoirvinesinclosespacing(9000perha)intheGeelongregion,
Victoria.
Another example is found in a vineyard in the Gippsland region, Victoria
(receiving approximately 1000 mm rainfall annually), on a fertile basaltic soil,
where the normal planting density is 9000 vines per ha, but there is also an
experimental block planted at 17,000 per ha! Organic/biodynamic methods are
used, without irrigation, but to maintain yields per vine as low as a few hundred
grams the vines must be hedged about 10 times per season. Obviously, yields are
low (2.5-3.3 t/ha) and the cost of production is high, so it is economically viable
only if the wine produced commands a very high price.
