Times are changing, technology is advancing and the landscape of our vineyards is changing. Until not long ago, it was common to find all our vineyards planted with goblet vines (low vines). But, for some time now, many wineries such as Barcolobo have opted for trellised vines. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. We explain below the difference between these two types of formations.

Goblet planting

This planting system is the older of the two. In fact, there were years when it was even thought to be an old vineyard with low profitability. Nothing to see! The profitability of the plant does not depend on the cultivation system, but on the area and its climatic conditions.

Vessel training is simpler, more natural and lower cost (in implementation and maintenance – no extra components are required). It is, in principle, a more economical option. However, due to the conditions it presents, it does not allow the mechanization of tasks, so they must be carried out manually: pruning, harvesting, etc., which implies higher labor costs.

Visually, we find a low trunk from which the vegetative elements (leaves and bunches) are born in a radial shape. As a result, this plantation has less sun exposure and poorer aeration. This leads to rot problems, since the clusters are very close to the ground. However, for this same reason, as it has less grape load, the quality of the clusters is usually higher (with more alcohol content). Everything also depends on the number of arms that we leave.

To avoid this situation, wooden posts can be placed on each vine to collect the shoots and the large part of the plant’s plant mass. In this way, the clusters are more exposed to the sun and also to the air.

Trellis planting

The other vineyard formation is trellis planting, which Barcolobo is committed to. This more modern system allows the intrusion of technology and machinery into the soil. Therefore, although it initially requires a greater investment (installation of wires, posts and metal structures), labor costs are reduced and the work is much easier.

In addition, being at a higher altitude, the plant has better ventilation and exposure to the sun, which prevents many fungal diseases. These factors, so important for grapes, are synonymous with high quality bunches.

The choice of one system or another depends, therefore, on many factors. First and foremost, the orographic and climatic conditions. But it also depends on the investment to be made: whether you want a small plot for personal care and use, or you intend to form a large vineyard that requires machinery.