Fruit zone leaf removal influences vegetative, yield, disease, fruit composition, and wine sensory attributes of Vitis vinifera L. 'Optima' and 'Cabernet franc'

The influence of fruit zone leaf removal treatments (0, 50, and 100%) on grapevine canopy structure, incidence of bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr.), yield components, fruit and wine composition and wine sensory attributes was studied on Vitis vinifera L. 'Optima' and 'Cabernet franc'. The 50 and 100% leaf removal reduced leaf layer number, percent interior leaves and percent interior clusters. Yield was reduced between 29 and 46%. Severity of bunch rot in Optima and incidence and severity for Cabernet franc were reduced by leaf removal. Leaf removal improved colour, aroma and palatability of both Optima and Cabernet franc wines. Key words: Botrytis cinerea, defoliation, canopy management