Wine Production : Vine to Bottle - Vinum Vine

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plant is taking up surface water, from recent rainfall or irrigation,
rather than the mineral rich deep water. When preparing a vineyard
a drainage system should be installed if the natural drainage is
inadequate.
3.1.2 Fertility
Although it is generally recognised that the vine thrives on poor soil,
vines do require an adequate level of nourishment, and the addition
of humus and organic matter may need to be done annually. In highly
fertile soils, careful vineyard management techniques are needed to
control vine vigour.
CHAPTER 3
3.1.3 Nutrient and mineral requirements
Nitrogen is a most important nutrient requirement, essential for the
vine’s production of green matter. However, the balance is important
so that excessive growth is not stimulated. Desirable minerals include
phosphorous and potassium. In addition, trace elements such as
magnesium, iron and zinc are beneficial. The finest quality fruit
will only be produced when the soil is well balanced and contains
appropriate nutrients.
3.2 Influence of soils upon wine style and quality
There is still considerable dissension over the influence that soil
has on the quality and style of wine. The traditional Old World viewpoint,
still held in some areas, was that vines only yield good quality
grapes if the soil is poor and the vine is made to work hard for its
nutrients. Some New World producers dispute this, believing that,
providing vigour is controlled, richer soils can give good quality.
Before planting a new vineyard, a full soil analysis should take place
to examine the chemical and biological composition. The pH of the
soil has an impact on the style and quality of wine produced. All
other factors being equal, vines grown on a high acid (low pH) soil
will produce grapes with a lower acidity than those grown on a low
acid (high pH) soil.