There are two different types of pruning: winter pruning (dry pruning) and green pruning.
Vine Pruning: Dry Pruning
Dry pruning is performed only once a year – during winter – and is used to determine the number of buds that will produce grape clusters. Consequently, short pruning, which leaves between 7 and 10 buds, results in higher quality grapes but lower yield.
In contrast, long pruning, with 15 to 25 buds, leads to higher yield but lower quality. The type of pruning depends on several factors, including the age of the vine, the vineyard type, the location and characteristics of the soil, etc.
Green Pruning
Green pruning is carried out a couple of times during the spring and summer months. It helps shape the vine by removing shoots that emerge from the trunk — a practice known as "suckering".
Another important goal of green pruning is to improve airflow around the grape clusters and promote vertical growth of the vine.
READ ALSO: Vine reproduction: techniques and life cycle
Vine Training Systems
Dry pruning also influences the training system used for the vine. In some cases, the training system is determined during the planting of the vine cuttings.
There are many vine training systems, including:
In general, each training system originates from and is common in specific regions of Italy. For instance, the low bush vine (alberello) is typical of Zibibbo cultivation in Pantelleria, while the pergola is typical of Trentino-Alto Adige, and so on.
The most common training system is the vertical trellis (spalliera), which can accommodate more than one pruning method. However, throughout Europe, the Guyot system is the most widely used, as it is easy to manage and helps optimize leaf sun exposure.
