Exploring grapevine canopy management: effects of removing main leaves or lateral shoots before flowering

This study highlights the physiological effects of pre-flowering leaf removal from the fruiting zone of the Swiss white grape variety Petite Arvine, which is rich in varietal thiols. Pre-flowering removal of main leaves instead of lateral shoots appears to be a viable practice with a moderate effect on both the yield potential and the must composition; that is, higher concentrations of malic acid, yeast-assimilable nitrogen and glutathione.