Study of wine-growing land (“terroir”) characteristics in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland): ecophysiological behaviour of the vine (cv. Chasselas)

A study of « terroirs » was achieved from 2003 to 2005 in the whole vineyard of the Ré island (17, France). Over more than 1,990 ha, a cartography at the 1/10.000 scale, including characterization of climatic, pedological, geological and hydrogeological components of « Basic Terroir Units » (B.T.U.) was made. Also, a survey among wine growers was conducted. All data were treated together in a G.I.S. connected to a data base. 22 kinds of map were built (B.T.U. and components, soil water reserve, vine functioning potentials, varieties, rootstocks, viticultural practices and soil management).

A major topic in viticultural research is the analysis of the relationships between climate on one side, and grape and wine quality on the other. It is well known that climatic conditions

Agricultural productivity must promote management systems that incorporate sustainability principles, and viticulture is no exception.

One of the basic problems in the viticulture branch is the improvement of perspective technologies for both vine training systems: with vertical standing and with free position of shoots, adapted to the requirements of complex mechanization.

The phenological stage of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) represents a fundamental element in vineyard management, since it determines key practices such as fertilization, irrigation, phytosanitary interventions and optimal harvest time (Mullins et al., 1992).