Berry nitrogen status altered by cover cropping: Effects on berry hormone dynamics, growth and amino acid composition of Pinot Noir

► The effect of reducing vine vigour through cover crops on fruit quality was studied. ► Cover crop competition causes reduced nitrogen uptake in grape vines. ► Cover crop competition reduced vegetative growth but does not affect berry quality. ► Hormone dynamics during berry formation was altered due to low nitrogen conditions. ► Changes in amino acids resulted in favourable conditions for yeast fermentation.