The study examined the effect of four training systems on the adaptation of Pinot noir in the Friuli hills (northeastern Italy). Simple Guyot, double Guyot, horizontal spurred cordon, and vertical spurred cordon were assessed during four years (1992 through 1995). The training systems affected yield but showed little or no impact on grape and wine composition (sugars, grape and wine phenolics). Sensory analysis could not show relevant differences among training systems. Therefore, the selection of training system may be made according to the vineyard management choices and mechanization possibilities.
