WHAT IS VINE DENSITY & WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? WHAT IS BETTER HIGH OR LOW VINE DENSITY?
Simply put, vine density is the number of vines (_not the amount of fruit_) grown in a given area of vineyard space. “High density” (lots of vines in a given area) is the result of very tight vine &/or row spacings, while “Low density” (few vines in a given area) is the result of wide vine &/or row spacings. Vine density is an endlessly interesting topic. Here are some of the general arguments from both sides: Very high density (France): 1. Forces the vine to be pruned in a fashion which reduces fruit quantity, but increases fruit quality due to the proximity of the fruiting buds to the vine’s perennial wood (usually a single venerable head). 2. Vine Proximity provides additional warmth during times of inclimate cold. 3. Facilitates earlier ripening (or hardening-off) of the wood by keeping the amount of leaves on the vine to the minimum required for proper growth & production. (In a favorable European region [Bordeaux or Burgundy] each shoot needs only about 11 leaves in order to prop
