Pruning season. The winter dormancy period has arrived in the vine’s vegetative cycle. It is now that the vines are stripped bare, and pruning shears trim the ‘fingers’ of ‘hands’ that seem to emerge from the earth in a goblet shape. This is the term used for vines not trained on trellises.
But the most curious thing is that this scene, where the vineyard remains without the shelter of foliage or fruit hanging from its branches, is possibly the most beautiful of the entire life cycle of a vineyard throughout the year. Many believe that the cultural practice of pruning, which requires knowledge and judgment to improve yield and quality, gives way to a beautiful image of the wine. And indeed, when it comes to an end, the vineyard is clean, ready to revive with bud break.
This scene of bare vines after pruning is complemented by the intricate Bercian orography, a hallmark of Bodega del Abad. Slopes offering impressive views of El Bierzo. The Godello and Mencía vines, as they age, display the strength of their gnarled trunks against the ocher backgrounds of the soil.
All our vineyards are located on these Bercian slopes, above the Camino de Santiago and the surrounding towns. A privileged location subject to a great climate where the hours of sunshine and temperatures benefit the quality of the grape, which we have already discussed on our blog.
It is not easy to discern which of the two vines is more beautiful. The one that is stripped bare after pruning, or the one hidden beneath its mantle of green leaves. Today, we fully enjoy the former.