The effects of leaf removal and artificial shading on the composition of Chardonnay and Pinot noir grapes

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of leaf removal and bunch shading on the analytical composition of Pinot noir and Chardonnay (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes suitable for making premium sparkling wine. Method and results: Total bunch defoliation (TD) and different treatments using shading nets (TD1L, TD2L and ND1L) were evaluated in comparison with a test with no defoliation and shading (ND) over three seasons in the southern part of Franciacorta, one of the most famous Italian sparkling wine regions. Micrometeorological variables, yield components, musts and grapes chemical composition were evaluated. Conclusions: Shading practices lead to a delay of ripening and improve acidic content of must offering a potential improvement in the quality of juice suitable for producing sparkling wines. Furthermore, this particular type of vine canopy management leads to changes in the phenolic content of grapes. Significance of the study: This study shows the importance of shading delaying grape ripening, preserving acidic content of musts, specifically dealing with the problem of early ripening related to climate change underway.