Today it’s time for the first phase of defoliation. The current phenological phase is referred to as the “peppercorn” stage and we will eliminate the first 2-3 leaves at the base to liberate the bunches in order to improve air circulation and create an ideal microclimate. We do not remove the leaves above the clusters so that they can create shade and protect the grapes. However the side of the leaf wall facing east or north is defoliated (depending on the orientation of the rows) so that the plants have sunlight during the coolest hours of the day.