Because a broken leg prevented me from tending vines and making wine this year as planned , much of the fruit simply rotted on the vine. And because I had to remain at the house this week to answer questions for the plumbers, electricians, builders, and excavator, I was not able to work with Giovanni Mangiavacchi as planned.
During down periods, I pruned. It’s important to unburden grapevines of weight and growth so they can start next spring’s growth with maximum vigor. And since a worried plant fruits best, well-pruned vines carry into winter dormancy an urge to flower and set more fruit next year.
Though pruning is good meditation, it’s sad dropping bunch after bunch of overripe, mildewed, and sometimes perfectly good grapes to the ground. At the end of the day, I couldn’t help taking the best bunches back to Villore to juice and mix with sparkling water for a sip of something better than Grape Nehi and a taste of things to come.
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