• Minimum vineyard age: >4 years
  • Minimum acreage: 1/2 acre
  • Irrigation/Fertilization: Standard irrigation and fertilization, based on grape variety, with the aim of maintaining homogeneity of production. Guanos or micronutrients applied as needed.
  • Pruning: Pruning to 2 buds per spur if plant’s vigor is medium to high. If vigor is high, the number of spurs per cordon is increased. Low caliber spurs will be pruned to 1 bud. Spur spacing targeted at 4.5 inches.
  • Shoot thinning & canopy management: As with Ultra Premium, shoots will be thinned to 2 shoots per spur. Standard canopy management (1-3 times per year).
  • Leaf thinning: Leaf thinning on the east side of the fruit zone after fruit set.
  • Canopy trimming: Standard. Minimum 2 times a year, depending on rainfall and humidity.
  • Green harvest: At veraison bunches will be reduced to 2-3 per shoot.
  • Yield target for malbec: Between 1,800 and 2,500kg/acre, depending on weather and varietal. Green harvest will be performed as needed.
  • Approx farming hours: 665