I’ve just started looking after 7ha of Albarino clone Plansel 635 planted on 101.14 rootstock, it’s about 4yo. Plant spacing 1.8m, row spacing 3m and 2 cane VSP. The soil around here is thick white clay and the site has been farmed with grapes for over 100 years so soil has been abused. Last season spraying was near negligible apart from the odd sulphur round, and because of intense powdery not harvested and fruit was dropped.

Bud burst is in about 4 weeks and as much as I would like to get some sprays on we’re getting daily rain and about 70-80mm per week. With the vineyard hilly and dangerous it’s historically been hard to get early sprays on.

The boss is looking for high yields but understands it’s a struggle and would just like to see the site healthy again. The grapes will be made into wine to blend.

I’ve mostly worked with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Never Albarino so any knowledge and tips about farming it are greatly appreciated.