Tobacco grown under shade produces a lighter and larger leaf. To get its gold toned appearance, the shade-grown tobacco is shielded from the sun by a using a cloth (usually cheesecloth) or a plastic covering.
Shade grown tobacco is also grown in geographical locations that are known for their constant natural cloud cover such as Ecuador. Shade grown wrappers are known for adding a creamy dimension to a cigar’s profile as well as making it milder and mellower.