tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576761200903416549.post7500212816726283086..comments2023-09-15T20:50:06.448+10:00Comments on Australian Wine Companion: The Riddle of Old VinesJames Hallidayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07461828259054544283noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576761200903416549.post-83845682254118699872010-06-25T10:48:46.770+10:002010-06-25T10:48:46.770+10:00Well that is a self-fulfilling prophecy, the wines...Well that is a self-fulfilling prophecy, the wines thrive in good natural conditions. They produce high quality grapes and that is why they are not ripped out. The second factor why they are not substituted is because they are healthier and they are also continue to be healthier because they have a developed root system to compensate for climate stress. <br /><br />As they get older the management actually gets easier as the vigour and yield decreases. <br /><br />However, there is one factor that drove me mad in a former life as scientist and plant modeller. This is the role which the trunk plays as nutrient and energy deposit and its role on the very pronounced biannual bearing (in my case it were peaches, but vines are not much different). After the annual pruning the trunk and root system is basically all that is left, at least in vines. While I was concerned with the quantity side of things, I am firmly convinced there is a quality aspect to it as well. Unfortunately I cannot quantify it and nobody else either. But then, If you would know that, making good wine wouldn't be a challengeChristian Maulnoreply@blogger.com