Viticulture, landscapes and the marketing of our wine

Pinot noir is an interesting vat variety for the high quality products it provides in the most suitable areas. In France, the most important Pinot Noir growing areas are Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace and the Loire. In Italy, Pinot Noir is grown almost exclusively in the northern regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Lombardy and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Climate changes are impacting viticultural regions throughout the world with temperature increases being most prevalent.1 These changes will not only impact the regions capable of growing grapes, but also
the grapes that can be grown.2 As temperatures rise the growing degree days increase and with it the sugar accumulation within the berries and subsequent alcohol levels in wine. Consequently, viticultural
practices need to be examined to decrease the levels of sugars.

The production of certified grape planting material is one of the most important problems in the Russian federation. According to the scheme for the production of healthy grape planting material, before being introduced into in vitro culture, the source plants of each variety (Moldova, Augustin, Bart) were individually assessed for typical varietal characteristics and the presence/absence of symptoms of infection by pests.

Downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Berl. & De Toni, is one of the most destructive grapevine diseases mostly affecting Vitis vinifera L. and impacting on viticulture. The pathogen invasion can induce in grapevine multiple defense reactions, first PAMP-Triggered Immunity and secondly Effector-Triggered Immunity. Plasmopara viticola can overcome these defense mechanisms through the secretion of effectors, such as RxLR, into the plant cells, making it easier for the oomycete to infect grapevines. Currently, the use of chemical pesticides remains the most effective way to control the pathogen with severe negative side effects on the environment and animal health.

Aim: The aim of this report is to present evidence on the potential of Greek and Cypriot grape varieties to serve as a sustainable solution to mitigate climate change.

Methods and Results: The work provides a review of recent works involving Greek and Cypriot varieties’ performance under high temperatures and increased dryness.