Hardscrabble Journal

Crying Vines

Warm weather instills a greater sense of immediacy in our pruning. When a pruning cut is made, the sap flows prolifically. While this is normal, it seems more pronounced than usual. American winegrowers refer to this as vine bleeding. The French call it crying. I won’t comment on perceived cultural biases.

Today will be the last day of pruning for all varieties with the important exception of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet is always pruned last for two reasons. It is by far the latest variety to bud out, usually a good 10 to 14 days later than Chardonnay. This gives us a bigger window to finish our work, especially if we fall behind in our pruning.

Additionally, Cabernet is highly susceptible to wood diseases. When a pruning cut is made, the wound is open to infection by fungus diseases. They slowly travel down into the vine and eventually kill the permanent trunk. However, in the spring, when the sap starts flowing it constantly flushes the wound. The fungi are less able to penetrate the wound.

Appropriate to current events, a good cry never hurts.

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: March 20, 2020