Terroir 2004 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 The role of the landscape as a component of the terroir in Spain (DO Somontano, NE Spain)

The role of the landscape as a component of the terroir in Spain (DO Somontano, NE Spain)

Abstract

The components and methodology for characterization of the terroir in Spain have been described by Gómez-Miguel et al. (2003), Sotés et al. (2003), taking into account the full range of environmental factors (i.e: climate, vegetation, topography, soils, altitude, etc.), landscape variables (derived from photo-interpretation and a digital elevation model), and variables specific to the country’s viticulture (i.e: size and distribution of the vineyards, varieties, phenology, productivity, quality, designation regulations, etc.). This paper describes the integration of the resulting database in a Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) that allows the spatial and statistical analysis of all variables; the parametric system of variable quantification; the selection of main endogenous and exogenous variables for terroir characterization; and the role of the variables that describe the landscape in the final results. The analysis has been carried out on over 1.8 million ha. This paper presents the results of a case study in the county “Somontano” that covers an expanse of 142,000 ha and includes 4,173 ha of vineyards. The observed distribution of vineyards in this county is correlated to the integrated landscape-terrain classification and productivity but does not depend on the total available area for cultivation. It is significant that a subset of geological formations that accounts for 45 percent of the total area sustains over 90 percent of the vineyards.
The results of the study have general implications for landscape-terrain classification in Spain and define a set of methodological guidelines. These guidelines refer to:
a) Definition of the set of variables that define the landscape: characterization of the lithological and morphological components; homogenization of lithological units; cartography of the geological formations; integration of a digital elevation model to derive altitude, orientation, exposure, and slope. The spatial scale should be at least 1:25.000.
b) Definition of the Homogeneous Land Units (HLU): The parameter characterization was carried out from the units which were previously defined from the data of the environmental analysis.
c) Experimental design: Selection of Homogeneous Land Units and characterization within the units.
d) Final zoning: Integration of the Homogeneous Land Unit with the plant (variety and rootstock) and the product (must and wine).

Related articles…

Optimization of the ripening time of new varieties descendants of Monastrell

Given the impact of climate change on viticulture in the Region of Murcia, this paper attempts to expose the possibility of using genetic improvement as a dilemma that allows access to new descendant varieties of the autochthonous variety Monastrell crossed with varieties such as Syrah and Cabernet. Sauvignon, thus obtaining hybrids (Gebas and Myrtia). In it, the chromatic parameters and the phenolic profile of the new varieties will be compared with those obtained by the Monastrell variety at two moments during maturation (12 and 14 º Baumé), to check if the results would allow earlier harvests in these new varieties thus avoiding the decoupling between phenolic and technological maturity, while improving the quality of grapes and wines.

Assessing bunch architecture for grapevine yield forecasting by image analysis 

It is fundamental for wineries to know the potential yield of their vineyards as soon as possible for future planning of winery logistics. As such, non-invasive image-based methods are being investigated for early yield prediction. Many of these techniques have limitations that make it difficult to implement for practical use commercially. The aim of this study was to assess whether yield can be estimated using images taken in-field with a smartphone at different phenological stages.

Geological characterization of plot belonging to the left bank terraces terroir of the Gaillac vineyard (Tarn, Midi-Pyrénées). Consequences on determination of choice of vegetative material

Detailed geological analyses of a plot belonging to the « AOC Gaillac » area have been carried out. This plot belongs to the left bank terraces of the Tarn River which coinciding with one of the three main terroirs of the AOC area. It is localised on the rissian-aged (≈ 200 000 yrs B.P.)

New crossbreed winegrape genotypes cultivated under rainfed conditions in a semi-arid Mediterranean region

Traditional drought tolerant varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Monastrell, and Syrah [1], have been used as parents in the grapevine breeding program initiated by the Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Medioambiental (IMIDA) in 1997 [2]. This work presents the results of evaluating three new genotypes obtained from crosses between ‘Monastrell’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (MC16 and MC80) and between ‘Monastrell’ and ‘Syrah’ (MS104), comparing their performance under conditions of water scarcity and high temperatures with that of their respective parental varieties. For this purpose, the six genotypes were cultivated under controlled irrigation conditions (60% ETc) and rainfed conditions.

Characterizing the molecular basis of the differences in aromatic precursors found in commercial clones of Vitis vinifera cv. Tannat

Uruguay is known for the production of Tannat wines, which is a neutral variety from an aroma point of view, but capable of providing aromatic precursors that are of interest in the production of wines for ageing. The main aromatic precursors present are glycosidic compounds and carotenoids. The contribution of carotenoid degradation by-products such as norisoprenoids to wine aroma is fundamental, as they are associated with pleasant aroma descriptors and very low olfactory perception thresholds. Several factors have been shown to influence carotenoid concentrations in grapes, such as cultivar, climatic conditions, viticultural region, plant water status, exposure to sunlight and ripening stage.