Restoration of an old vineyard by replanting of missing vines: effects on grape production and wine quality

The viticultural and oenological characteristics of old and young Sangiovese vines were compared during a study set up by the Department of Agriculture, Food Environment (DAFE) in collaboration with an estate located at Cinigiano (GR), Italy, during two different vintages. Wines from each thesis were assessed for quality parameters and compared. The results show that the restoration of the vineyard, implemented by replacement of the missing vines, resulted in a quantitative and qualitative improvement over a decade. Indeed, the replanted vines were less vigorous and produced bunches of smaller size and with smaller grapes, which were characterized by a good phenolic endowment, especially for the anthocyanin component, which was also maintained in the wines.