What type of vine training system was historically used in Argentina?

The pergola system, known locally as parral in Argentina, has historical significance in the country’s viticulture. This system involves training vines overhead on a structure of horizontal supports, allowing for greater air circulation and sun exposure. It is particularly advantageous in regions with high temperatures, as the canopy provides shade for the grapes, helping to prevent sunburn and enabling the grapes to ripen more evenly. This method also makes harvesting easier and can improve grape quality by promoting better growing conditions.

The other training systems, while used in various parts of the world, do not share the same historical importance in Argentina. The cordon system, for example, is more commonly employed in regions where there is a need for mechanization and efficient canopy management, and the bush vine system is typically suited for areas with lower annual rainfall, which is not as prevalent in Argentina. Vertical shoot positioning is a modern technique that enhances canopy management and is often used in certain premium wine regions but lacks the historical roots that the pergola system has in Argentine viticulture.