Pruning: Care and innovation in the Montina Franciacorta Vineyards

Pruning is a vital practice in vineyard management, requiring expertise and dedication to ensure the health and productivity of the vines. Montina Franciacorta, committed to excellence, has recently adopted the Simonit & Sirch pruning method to further enhance the quality of its wines and preserve vine longevity.

Why is vine pruning so important?

If left unchecked, vines tend to produce an excessive number of shoots and leaves, which redirects energy from the quality of the grapes.
Careful pruning allows for:

• – Optimizing production by regulating the number of buds to achieve the ideal balance between quantity and quality of grapes clusters.
• – Improving plant health by preventing diseases through the removal of damaged parts.
• Facilitating harvesting and maintaining an orderly growth pattern.

What are the most common types of pruning?

Montina practices two main types of pruning:

1. – Winter pruning (or dry pruning): carried out between November and March during the plant’s dormant period. It involves selecting productive shoots and determining the bud load for the following year.
2. – Green pruning: Conducted in spring and summer, this involves removing unnecessary shoots, leaves and stems to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure for the clusters.

Why did Montina choose the Simonit & Sirch method?

According to Michele Bozza, President of Montina Franciacorta “Our priority is the health of the vines and the quality of our wine. The Simonit & Sirch method is innovative because it focuses on preventing damage to the plant’s vascular system. This approach ensures stronger, longer-lasting plants, reduces the risk of wood diseases and enhance long-term sustainability.”

How does the Simonit & Sirch method work?

The method is based on four fundamental principles:

1. Encouraging the natural growth of the plant, giving space to the trunk and branches.
2. Maintaining continuity of sap flow for proper circulation.
3. Performing small, minimally invasive cuts on young wood
4. Applying the respect wood technique to prevent the drying out of the main sap flow

This method minimizes the impact of cuts, allowing vines to remain productive for longer and better resist diseases.

How long does it take to learn the Simonit & Sirch method?

Training a team in this technique requires commitment and coherence. As Michele Bozza explains
“We began with an intensive training program lasting several weeks, but learning is ongoing. Properly applying each principle is essential to achieve the best results.”

What challenges does adopting this method present?

Implementing a new pruning approach is not without challenges. Initially there is an adjustment phase to overcome established habits. However, thanks to guidance from Simonit & Sirch experts and the determination of the Montina team, these hurdles have been successfully overcome.

Does this method help respond to climate change?

Michele Bozza is clear in his response “Yes, a healthier vine is also more resilient. A well-preserved wood structure helps the plant better withstand extreme climate conditions such as drought or heavy rains. This makes our viticulture more sustainable and prepared for future challenges.”

Why is pruning crucial for wine quality?

Proper pruning ensures better plant management, leading to healthier and more uniform grapes. This is essential for producers like Montina, who create premium wines where every detail matters to drive an exceptional product.

Thanks to the adoption of innovative methods and persistent commitment to tradition, Montina Franciacorta continues to champion viticulture that respects nature while looking ahead to the future.