On the same parcel, on the same grape variety (Merlot), we alternated between trimming and braiding the vines

Braiding the vines avoids stressing the plant while maintaining the trellising, allowing us to continue working in the vineyard. However, braiding is labour-intensive, and it is far easier to go through with a tractor and a trimmer. The question is therefore whether grape quality can justify this additional cost. We therefore carried out analyses to provide initial answers. The left-hand column shows the analysis of braided rows versus trimmed rows. We can see that the trimmed row has reached a more advanced ripeness, with lower acidity and a higher pH. This is only a trial (to be confirmed on a larger scale next year), but it seems to show that braiding allows for a better balance between sugar and acidity. To be confirmed, but we are very keen to test this next year on our most promising parcels. To be continued, then.