2.3.7.b Vines trained on stakes

Vines trained on stakes have almost the same characteristics as those trained using the lyre system. Stakes allow the vines to grow up to two metres high, which leads to better leaf exposure, and more vegetation. This can result in earlier ripening and higher alcohol content. The vines are better ventilated and so they can be generally healthier.
Stake-trained vines are usually pruned using the gobelet or arched-cane technique, and are not trellised. This method can be good in windy areas or on steep slopes.
However, it is entirely manual, and therefore very time-consuming and expensive in terms of labour.
There can be a single stake or several stakes that meet at a point.
At Château Grillet, the vines are trained using three stakes for two vines (one on each side), with arched cane pruning.