Royat cordon

The Royat cordon is a short spur pruning method built on a permanent framework: a vertical trunk extended by one or two horizontal arms fixed to the trellis wire and bearing spurs cut to one or two buds. Developed at the Royat farm school, active from 1849 to 1928, it eases mechanisation and an even spread of foliage. It is used notably in Champagne and in southern French vineyards.