Effects of timing and rate of N supply on leaf nitrogen status, grape yield and juice composition from Shiraz grapevines grafted to one of three different rootstocks

Yeast cells have a minimum N requirement to ferment a must through to dryness, so that grape N content (hence must N) becomes critical in meeting that prerequisite. Viticultural practices aimed at meeting that N requirement are of special relevance because interactions between rootstock and vineyard nitrogen supply strongly influence scion mineral nutrient status as well as shoot vigour, and via those processes, fruit composition. Such outcomes were investigated in a field trial involving Shiraz on three rootstocks viz. Teleki 5C, Schwarzmann and Ramsey. Five N supply regimes, varying from 0 to 80 kg/(haseason), were imposed through a drip-irrigation system during two periods (either flowering to veraison, or post-harvest to leaf-fall, or both) over three successive growing seasons. Post-harvest N supply increased scion leaf N and nitrate N concentrations at flowering for vines on Teleki 5C and Schwarzmann. By veraison, N recently applied in the flowering to veraison period elevated these indicators of N status in all vines on all rootstocks. Grape yields from vines on Teleki 5C and Schwarzmann were elevated by N supply after harvest, whereas juice soluble solids levels were lowered. Free amino acids in Shiraz juice were dominated by non-assimilable N, amounting to about 50% or more of the total free amino-N in the juice. Increasing N supply increased free amino acid concentrations in the juice of berries from vines on all rootstocks, but only vines on Schwarzmann derived any benefit from N supplied after harvest. The highest concentrations of free amino acids were measured in the berries from vines on Schwarzmann receiving 80 kg N/(ha.season). Of immediate practical relevance for N management of Shiraz grapevines on either Teleki 5C or Ramsey rootstocks, the minimum value for assimilable free amino-N concentration required to ferment a must through to dryness was not achieved if vineyard N application was limited to the post-harvest period.     

Impact of rootstock on yield and ion concentrations in petioles,juice and wine of Shiraz and Chardonnay in different viticultural environments with different irrigation water salinity

Background and Aims: Within-site comparisons were made of rootstock effects on yield, and chloride and sodium concentrations in petioles, juice and wine of Shiraz and Chardonnay vines at sites with irrigation water salinities (EC_iw) ranging from low (0.4 dS/m) to moderate-high (1.8 to 3.3 dS/m). It also compared consistency of yield performance of the various rootstocks with both scions over 8 years at one site with an EC_iw of 2.1 dS/m. Methods and Results: Chardonnay and Shiraz on own roots and on Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen, 140 Ruggeri, K51-40, Schwarzmann, 101-14, Rupestris St. George and 1202 Couderc were compared. Ramsey resulted in better yields relative to most of the other rootstocks at three of the four sites for each scion. Exceptions were the low salinity site where Schwarzmann was best with Chardonnay, and Padthaway where 140 Ruggeri was best with Shiraz. Chardonnay wine chloride concentrations were similar to grape juice chloride concentrations, but Shiraz wine chloride concentrations were on average 1.7-fold higher than grape juice chloride. Conclusions: Shiraz on own roots, K51-40 and 1202C rootstocks carry some risk of accumulating unacceptable levels of chloride in grape juice and wine when the salinity of the irrigation water is at moderate to high levels. Rootstocks K51-40 (with Chardonnay and Shiraz) and potentially 101-14 (with Shiraz) should be avoided in situations of long term irrigation with moderate to high salinity water. Significance of the Study: The study identifies rootstocks with acceptable yields and grape juice chloride concentrations for potential use in regions affected by salinity.     

Rootstock and vineyard floor management influence on ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grape yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN)

This is a study on the influence that two rootstocks (110R, high vigour; 420A, low vigour) and three vineyard floor management regimes (tilled resident vegetation – usual practise in California, and barley cover crops that were either mowed or tilled) had upon grape nitrogen-containing compounds (mainly ammonia and free amino acids recalculated as YAN), sugars, and organic acids in ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ clone 8. A significant difference was observed for some of the free amino acids between rootstocks. In both sample preparation methods (juiced or chemically extracted), 110R rootstock grapes were significantly higher in SER, GLN, THR, ARG, VAL, ILE, LEU, and YAN than were 420A rootstock grapes. Differences in individual free amino acid profiles and concentrations were observed between the two sample preparations, which indicate that care should be taken when comparing values from dissimilar methods. No significant differences among vineyard floor treatments were detected, which suggests that mowing offers vineyard managers a sustainable practise, alternative to tilling, without negatively affecting grape nitrogen compounds, sugars, or organic acids.     

Rootstock response of Shiraz (Vitis vinifera) grapevines to dry and drip-irrigated conditions

The yield and growth of Vitis vinifera cv. Shiraz scions grafted onto seven rootstocks were compared with that of own-rooted vines in a shallow sandy soil that was free of nematodes and phylloxera in the Barossa Valley of South Australia. In the absence of irrigation, own-rooted vines yielded as much fruit as vines grafted on Ramsey, the highest-yielding unirrigated rootstock-scion combination. Scions grafted to the rootstocks 110R, K51–40, 1103P and Freedom yielded poorly without irrigation. The yield and growth of all vines increased significantly when a small volume of irrigation water (40–160 mm/annum) was applied; however, only scions grafted to Ramsey and Freedom rootstock yielded more fruit than own-rooted vines.     

Organic and inorganic anions in Shiraz and Chardonnay grape berries and wine as affected by rootstock under saline conditions

Background and Aims: Rootstocks influence the inorganic ion and organic acid composition of grapes of the scion variety. The aim was to investigate the impact of rootstocks on the inter-relationship of inorganic ions and organic acid anions in the skin and pulp of grapes and in resultant wine. Methods and Results: Vines were irrigated with water having electrical conductivities in the range 1.6–2.1 dS/m. Chloride, sodium, potassium, malic and tartaric acid concentrations were higher in almost all cases in skin than in pulp. Significant positive correlations existed between chloride and sodium concentrations in both pulp and skin. A significant negative linear regression existed between malic acid and both chloride and sodium concentrations in skin of Chardonnay berries. There were positive linear regressions in chloride concentration between berry (pulp and skin) and resultant wine chloride in both Chardonnay and Shiraz. Conclusion: The higher malic acid and lower chloride concentrations in skin of most grafted Chardonnay and Shiraz vines, and vice versa for own rooted vines, may indicate competition for similar transporter proteins involved in loading into skins. Alternatively, higher salt concentrations in skins may be associated with accelerated malic acid catabolism. Significance of the Study: Chloride-excluding rootstocks demonstrated advantages through reduced chloride (but not sodium) in pulp and skin of grape berries and in resultant wines. Where rootstocks reduced chloride concentrations in skin of grape berries, there is potential for higher malic acid in skin and in the resultant red wines.     

避雨栽培对酿酒葡萄果实氨基酸含量的影响

本研究利用高效液相色谱技术,分析避雨栽培和露地栽培条件下赤霞珠和霞多丽果实发育过程中21种氨基酸含量的变化.结果表明:避雨栽培除了显著降低这两个品种的果实中赖氨酸和脯氨酸含量外,对其它氨基酸含量的影响不尽相同.在霞多丽果实中,避雨栽培促进了大多数氨基酸含量的增加,而在赤霞珠果实中这些氨基酸的积累受到抑制.该研究对避雨栽培技术在酿酒葡萄生产中的应用具有重要的参考价值.     

不同砧木对马瑟兰葡萄及葡萄酒品质的影响

以自根生长的马瑟兰为对照,3309、101-14、贝达3个砧木嫁接的马瑟兰为试验材料,研究不同砧木对马瑟兰果实外观性状、理化指标及所酿葡萄酒理化指标的影响。不同砧木对马瑟兰果实的影响结果表明,3种砧木显著增加果穗宽度（P＜0.05）;贝达砧木显著降低马瑟兰果实中还原糖含量（P＜0.05）;3309、101-14砧木显著提高马瑟兰果实中总酚和花色苷含量（P＜0.05）,101-14砧木显著提高马瑟兰果实中的单宁含量（P＜0.05）。不同砧木对马瑟兰葡萄酒的影响结果表明,3309砧木显著提高葡萄酒中的总酚含量（P＜0.05）;3种砧木显著提高葡萄酒的pH值,降低葡萄酒色调（P＜0.05）,3309、贝达砧木显著增加葡萄酒色度（P＜0.05）。     

Effect of reduced irrigation on growth,yield, ripening rates and water relations of Chardonnay vines grafted to five rootstocks

Background and Aims: In the first decade of the 21st century, drought within the Murray–Darling Basin has reduced the amount of water available for irrigation. We investigated whether the response of vines to reduced irrigation was modified by rootstock. Methods and Results: Reduced irrigation (5 versus 8 ML/(ha·year)) was applied to Chardonnay vines grafted to five rootstocks (Ramsey, 140 Ruggeri, 1103 Paulsen, 110 Richter and K51‐40) for four seasons. It decreased the yield from 29.3 to 26.7 kg/vine, and increased the irrigation water use index (IWUI) from 4.7 to 6.6 t/(ha·ML), but gains in this index declined as the trial progressed. The values of mid‐afternoon leaf water potential were not affected by reduced irrigation, but leaf CO₂ assimilation declined from 13.1 to 11.7 µmol/(m²·s). These effects were independent of rootstock. Reduced irrigation did not increase soil salinity (ECe) or vine tissue Na and Cl concentrations. Vines on Ramsey and 1103 Paulsen rootstocks had higher yields, 32.2 and 30.0 kg/vine, respectively, and the highest IWUIs, 5.9 and 5.5 t/(ha·ML). In two of the three seasons, reducing irrigation did not affect the rates of ripening (°Brix/growing degree days) excepting vines on 1103 Paulsen. Ripening rates varied by 1.5‐fold between seasons. Conclusion: The yield and growth responses of Chardonnay vines to a 35% reduction in irrigation were not modified by rootstock. Significance of the Study: Reducing irrigation did not lead to a build‐up of soil salts. The response of vines to reduced irrigation on rootstocks rated as having good drought tolerance was the same as that for vines on a rootstock rated as having poor drought tolerance.     

Effects of the rootstock Ramsey (Vitis champini) on ion and organic acid composition of grapes and wine, and on wine spectral characteristics

The influence of Ramsey, used as rootstock of the scion cvs Muscat Gordo Blanco (syn. Muscat of Alexandria), Shiraz (syn. Syrah), Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, on the characteristics of the grape berries and of wine made from them was investigated, comparing ‘own-rooted’ and ‘grafted’, and comparing wine fermented as juice (without skins) and must (juice and skins). The study involved the partitioning of K+ within berries, changes in juice K+, malic and tartaric acid through fermentation, wine inorganic ion and organic acid composition, and wine spectral characteristics. K+ concentration was higher in berries from grafted than from own-rooted for all varieties except Chardonnay, and highest for grafted Shiraz. It was higher in skin than in pulp and seeds. In the pulp, it was highest for grafted Shiraz. K+ concentrations in all ferments using must (i.e. juice plus skins) increased during the initial two days after crushing, with the increase reflecting extraction from skins, being greatest for Shiraz and Muscat Gordo Blanco. Tartaric acid concentration in must also increased during the initial two days after crushing and then decreased. Malic acid concentration was higher in juice of Ramsey-grafted than own-rooted vines, especially for Shiraz; concentrations did not change markedly during the initial 12 days of fermentation, except where malo-lactic fermentation occurred. Wine made from grapes of grafted contained significantly less tartaric and more malic acid than that made from own-rooted for all varieties and for both fermentation types, with the exception of tartaric acid in wine of Muscat Gordo Blanco fermented as must. Wine made from juice had significantly higher tartaric acid and lower malic acid than that made from must for all varieties except for tartaric acid in wine from grafted Shiraz and malic acid in own-rooted Chardonnay. Wine had a smaller tartaric acid/malic acid ratio when made from must. Wine pH was positively correlated with K+ but negatively with tartaric acid and with the tartaric acid to malic acid ratio. Overall, Shiraz wine contained highest Cl?, Na+ and K+ concentrations. Red wines obtained from grafted had higher colour hue, especially those from Shiraz. Wines made from fruit borne on own-rooted Cabernet Sauvignon had the highest concentration of total anthocyanins, ionised anthocyanins and total phenolics.     

Influence of grapevine leafroll associated viruses (GLRaV-2 and -3) on the fruit composition of Oregon Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir: Free amino acids,sugars, and organic acids

Individual free amino acids, yeast assimilable amino acid (YAN) content, ammonia, organic acids, and simple sugars of berries from vines infected with GLRaV-2 or -3 were compared with paired vines free of these viruses. Samples were taken from two commercial vineyards during two growing seasons (2005 and 2006), with three different rootstock/scion combinations. Vines infected with GLRaV-2 did not differ significantly from their healthy counterparts in individual free amino acids, ammonia, or YAN content. Vines infected with GLRaV-3 were significantly lower in valine and methionine from Vitis riparia rootstock/‘Pinot noir’ clone 114 (VY2a) samples, and lower in glutamic acid from self-rooted/‘Pinot noir’ clone Pommard (VY2b) samples, compared to samples from their healthy counterparts. Samples from VY2b (self-rooted/‘Pinot noir’ clone Pommard) infected vines had significantly lower levels of malic acid and total organic acids compared to samples from their healthy counterparts. There were no significant differences between healthy and infected vines from all three rootstock/scion pairs in ammonia or free amino acids in samples taken during the weeks before ripening and at commercial harvest. This is the first study to report the influence of GLRaV-2 and -3 on ‘Pinot noir’ berries nitrogen (N) compounds significant to fermentation. Individual free amino acids may be inferior to phenolic compounds as indicators of GLRaV infection status.     

不同砧木对阳光玫瑰白兰地品质的影响

以自根、贝达、3309C、5BB为砧木,以阳光玫瑰葡萄为原料酿造白兰地,研究四种砧木阳光玫瑰葡萄发酵过程中的理化指标、有机酸及香气成分的影响,探讨不同砧木对阳光玫瑰白兰地品质的影响。结果表明,随着发酵时间的延长,糖分含量呈先下降后保持稳定的趋势,酒精度呈先上升后保持稳定的趋势,自根砧木阳光玫瑰葡萄发酵液中残糖含量最高,为7.8%,3309C、贝达、5BB阳光玫瑰葡萄发酵液中残糖含量均为7.0%。自根、贝达、3309C、5BB砧木葡萄果实有机酸总量分别为1.45 g/100 mL、1.09 g/100 mL、1.05 g/100 mL、0.99 g/100 mL。自根、贝达、3309C、5BB砧木葡萄发酵及蒸馏过程中共分别检出18种、26种、24种、10种香气成分,其中主要包括醇类、酸类、酯类及醛类。综合评价,贝达砧木较其他砧木的阳光玫瑰白兰地品质好。     

The effect of Uncinula necator (powdery mildew) and Botrytis cinerea infection of grapes on the levels of haze-forming pathogenesis-related proteins in grape juice and wine

Powdery mildew on Chardonnay grapes resulted in increased levels of a grape thaumatin-like protein, VvTL2, in the free run juice compared to that from uninfected grapes. These increased levels persisted through winemaking and at the highest level of infection (> 30% of bunches infected) had a significant impact on the haziness in the wine following a heat test. Infection of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (1–20% of bunches infected) did not affect the protein concentration of free run juice, and only traces of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins remained detectable in the Cabernet Sauvignon wines from either infected or healthy grapes. In contrast, infection of Chardonnay or Semillon grapes by Botrytis cinerea in the vineyard resulted in decreased levels of all PR proteins in the free run juice and in a total protein extract from infected berries compared to that from uninfected grapes. Similar trends were observed when B. cinerea was grown in the laboratory on surface-sterilised berries or in filter-sterilised juice.     

Rootstock effects on salt tolerance of irrigated field-grown grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultana). 3. Fresh fruit composition and dried grape quality

Field‐grown vines of cv. Sultana on either their own roots or grafted to a range of rootstocks, were drip‐irrigated at one of three salinity levels (0.40, 1.75 and 3.50 dS/m) over a five year period. Rootstocks were Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen, J17‐69 and 4 hybrids (designated R1, R2, R3 and R4) derived from parentage involving Vitis champini, V. berlandieri and V. vinifera. Grape juice total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH were measured at harvest, while colour of dried fruit was measured before and after processing and again after six months storage. Damage index (an indicator of skin damage) was measured post‐processing; sugar crystal formation in dried grapes and dried grape compaction were measured post‐storage. There was a strong salinity x rootstock interaction for grape juice soluble solids concentration, soluble solids yield (the product of soluble solids concentration and fruit yield) and pH, but not for titratable acidity when analysed on the basis of 5 year means. Small increases (< 5%) in juice soluble solids concentration were recorded at medium salinity (1.75 dS/m) for the low vigour genotypes, Sultana on own‐roots and on J17‐69 rootstock, based on the 5 year means and Fisher's protected (interaction) LSDs. Moderate increases (< 10%) also occurred in years of low crop load e.g. 1993 at high salinity for the high vigour rootstock R2 and in 1995 at medium salinity for Sultana on own roots and at high salinity for Sultana on R1 rootstock. By contrast, decreases in soluble solids concentration occurred with increasing salinity for the high vigour rootstocks (Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen and R2) in years of high crop load e.g. 1992. Small (< 2%) increases in grape juice pH were recorded at high salinity for Sultana on R3 rootstock and moderate increases (< 7%) in grape juice titratable acidity were recorded at high salinity for Sultana on own roots and Sultana on J17‐69, R1, R2 and R4 rootstocks. Dried grapes from all treatments achieved a light amber colour (quality grade termed 5 crown light) and were generally of high quality. Sultanas from own‐rooted grapevines were redder (higher ‘a‐value’) than sultanas from 1103 Paulsen and Ramsey when assessed as unprocessed fruit, after processing (both years) and after 6 weeks storage. While soluble solids yields per vine were 23–31% lower at high salinity for Sultana on own roots and on R1, R3 and R4 rootstocks, they were unaffected by high salinity for Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen and R2 rootstocks. Moreover, soluble solids yields for Sultana on Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen and R2 rootstocks were 1.4 to 2.5‐fold higher than for Sultana on the other rootstocks at high salinity. This study has shown that over a 5 year period rootstocks such as Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen and R2 grafted with Sultana were tolerant of salinity, producing dried grapes of generally high quality.     

葡萄砧木及酿酒品种抗寒性比较

利用电解质外渗率法和恢复生长法对11个葡萄砧木品种(3309C、5BB、河岸、110R、Fercal、SO4、1103P、8B、贝达、MRH20、Beaument)和5含酿酒葡萄品种(霞多丽、西拉、赤霞珠、梅鹿辄、香百川)的抗寒性进行了鉴定。结果表明:葡萄砧木的抗寒性明显强于酿酒品种。不同砧木及酿酒品种的抗寒性也存在着明显差别,砧木抗寒性强弱依次为贝达>MRH20、5BB>110R>3309C>SO4>Fercal>河岸葡萄、8B>Beaumont、1103P;酿酒葡萄品种抗寒性强弱依次为香百川>霞多丽、赤霞珠>西拉>梅鹿辄。     

不同酿酒葡萄砧穗组合硬枝嫁接性能评价

通过不同砧木与不同酿酒葡萄品种进行硬枝嫁接配置,初步筛选出亲和力强的接穗品种/砧木组合5个:赤霞珠/101-14、美乐/5BB、赤霞珠/5BB、霞多丽/5BB、西拉/5BB,其发芽和生根比率均超过70％,最高达98％.同时发现嫁接苗接穗生长量与嫁接亲和力基本呈正相关,可间接反应砧穗的亲和性.     

Effect of foliar nitrogen and sulfur on petit manseng (Vitis vinifera L.) grape composition

Vineyard applications of foliar nitrogen (N) and sulfur were evaluated in the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina in 2011 and 2012 as a means to modify grape composition of Vitis vinifera cv. petit manseng. Four treatments were applied each year in a randomized complete block design with six replicates of six vines each: untreated control, soil N at 30?kg/ha, foliar N at 15?kg/ha and foliar N at 15?kg/ha plus sulfur at 5?kg/ha. Fruit ammonia and yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) concentrations increased in foliar-treated vines both seasons compared to control vines. Total glycosides (TGGs) increased ～80% in foliar N/sulfur-treated vines compared to control vines in 2011, and TGGs increased ～157% in foliar N/sulfur-treated vines relative to glycoside level in foliar N alone in 2012. Foliar N and foliar N/sulfur applications increased the majority of amino acid concentrations analyzed in 2011. Measured concentrations of various amino acids, partly responsible for aroma and flavor of petit manseng wines, were differentially dependent on the method of N application. Foliar applied nitrogen may be an effective technique to contribute to berry composition optimization of petit manseng grown in a warm, humid climate.     

Rootstock effects on salt tolerance of irrigated field-grown grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultana) 2. Ion concentrations in leaves and juice

Field vines of cv. Sultana, grown either on their own roots, or grafted to a range of rootstocks, were drip‐irrigated at three salinity levels (0.40, 1.75 and 3.50 dS/m) over a five‐year period. Rootstocks comprised Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen, J17‐69 and 4 hybrids (designated R1, R2, R3 and R4) derived from parentage involving Vitis champini, V. berlandieri and V. vinifera. Concentrations of Cl^‐, Na+, K+, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ were measured in petioles at flowering, and in laminae and grape juice at harvest, in each year of the trial. Vines on all rootstocks accumulated less chloride in either petioles at flowering or in laminae and juice at harvest compared with vines on own roots at all salinity treatments. By inference, all rootstocks behaved as chloride excluders relative to the roots of own‐rooted vines. 1103 Paulsen was the best chloride excluder based on lowest concentrations of accumulated Cl^‐ in petioles, laminae and grape juice at high salinity. Sultana on R3 rootstock at high salinity accumulated more Na+ in both laminae and grape juice (at harvest) than did Sultana on own roots or on any of the other rootstocks. Laminae K+ at harvest time was reduced at high salinity in Sultana on own roots and on all rootstocks. Concentrations of both Cl^‐ and Na+ in petioles at flowering and in laminae and grape juice at harvest showed no significant correlation with either yield (as kg of fresh grapes per vine) or vigour (as measured by fresh weight of one‐year‐old pruning wood per vine) for any salinity treatment. There was however, a strong positive correlation between yield and the subsequent weight of one‐year‐old pruning wood for all salinity treatments. There was also a negative correlation between Na+ concentrations in petioles at flowering and the subsequent weight of one year‐old‐pruning wood from the 0.40 dS/m treatment. Similar negative correlations were found between Na+ concentration in both laminae and grape juice at harvest time, and the subsequent weight of one‐year‐old pruning wood from the 0.40 dS/m treatment (but not from either the 1.75 or 3.50 dS/m treatments). Based on these findings and those from Walker et al. 2002a we conclude that a high innate vigour of a rootstock combined with moderate to high chloride and sodium exclusion ability represents the best combination for salt tolerance in Sultana grapevines as measured by yield at moderate to high salinity.     

Effects of solar ultraviolet radiation and canopy manipulation on the biochemical composition of Sauvignon Blanc grapes

Background and Aims: New Zealand is exposed to relatively high solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation; such high irradiances of UV radiation having the potential to change the biochemical composition of plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of UV radiation and the role of canopy leaves on berry biochemical composition in Vitis vinifera var. Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is the major grape variety grown in New Zealand. Methods and Results: Leaves were removed from around the fruiting zones of vines and screens that altered UV radiation exposures were placed over the grape bunches. Samples taken throughout development were analysed for changes in total phenolic compounds (including flavonols), amino acids and methoxypyrazines. Total phenolic compounds increased substantially in response to UV‐B exposure and this was reflected in changes taking place within the skins of the berries. Flavonol levels were determined by UV‐B radiation exposure and accumulated to maximum concentrations at veraison, subsequently declining to harvest. UV radiation did not have a significant effect on the majority of amino acids or methoxypyrazine concentrations. The most noticeable change in amino acid and methoxypyrazine accumulation was caused by the presence of leaves over the fruiting zone, retaining these leaves maintained significantly higher concentrations in the berries at harvest. Conclusions: UV‐B radiation determines the composition of flavonols in the skins of grapes. Amino acid and methoxypyrazine concentrations are not predominantly determined by UV‐B, but retention of leaves over the fruiting zone promotes their accumulation in berries. Significance: Canopy manipulations are routinely used commercially in the vineyard to help control vigour and reduce disease pressure. The findings presented here are important for viticulturists to understand how management of the vine leaf canopy can determine the biochemical composition of the grapes and can therefore, ultimately affect wine quality.