Terroir 1996 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Effect of terroir on the quality evolution of Cabernet-Sauvignon in Penedès A.0.C.

Effect of terroir on the quality evolution of Cabernet-Sauvignon in Penedès A.0.C.

Abstract

Le Cabernet-Sauvignon est un cépage très répandu dans la région du Penedès (Espagne) où cette variété peut bien s’adapter et donne des produits de haute qualité. La croissance végétative et la composition du fruit dépendront de la mosaïque de sols disponibles dans l’Appellation. Dans ce sens, la cartographie du sol est un des meilleurs outils pour déterminer le potentiel viticole d’une région: son utilisation permet d’évaluer les différents terroirs présents dans une région. Le but de ce travail est d’évaluer l’évolution de la qualité dès le début de la saison de croissance jusqu’au vin final, en comparant des vignes de Cabernet-Sauvignon situées sur différents types de sols. L’étude a été réalisée pendant la période 2000-2001, sur deux parcelles de Cabernet Sauvignon greffé sur 41 B et SO4, âgées de 26 et 13 ans respectivement. Les souches sont palissées et taillées en Cordon de Royat. Chaque parcelle est composée par deux types de sol très différenciés: sol profond avec du schiste sur un sol caillouteux argilo-calcaire, et un sol profond limoneux sur un sol limoneux peu profond limité par une couche pétrocalcique.
La comparaison se fait au niveau de la composition minérale des feuilles, de la qualité du raisin à maturité et des vins finis. Ces unités de sol ont été déterminées en utilisant une cartographie du sol très détaillée basée sur la méthodologie de la FAO.
Les résultats indiquent que le Cabernet-Sauvignon sur le sol profond avec du schiste montre une meilleure nutrition minérale sur les parties végétatives que celles du Cabernet-Sauvignon sur sols calcaires ou limoneux. Ce type de sol a une grande porosité et profondeur, ce qui permet une bonne croissance et distribution des racines et également un bon état sanitaire dans la zone des racines. L’évolution de la composition de raisin depuis la véraison jusqu’à la maturité suggère que les sols profonds du schiste et les sols peu profonds limoneux ont une corrélation avec la vigueur, le rendement, le poids de la baie et la couleur. La dynamique spécifique de l’eau dans le sol, la variation de la réserve hydrique utile à chaque stade phénologique peut déterminer l’amélioration de la qualité sur ces sols. D’autre part, les vins obtenus sur chaque terroir, après microvinifications, présentent des différences importantes dans l’arôme et la structure. Cela montre que la connaissance de la distribution du terroir dans de grandes régions d’Appellation d’Origine est essentielle pour optimiser les plantations en ce qui concerne la qualité.

Cabernet-Sauvignon has become a very common grapevine in the Penedès region (Spain) where this variety can be well adapted and produce high quality products. The vegetative growth and fruit composition will depend on the wide range of soils of the A.O.C. area. In this sense, soil cartography is one of the best tools to determine the viticulture potential of a region using soil mapping that quantify different terroirs presents in the area. The aim of this work is to evaluate the whole evolution quality, from beginning of growing season to final wine, comparing Cabernet-Sauvignon vineyards located in different types of soils. The study was conducted in 2000-2001 period in two Cabernet-Sauvignon vineyards grafted on 41B and SO4. Vines are 26 and 13 years old respectively and its trelling system was “cordon Royat”. Each vineyard was composed by two vastly different types of soil which effect was compared: slate-schist deep stony soil vs. lime stone clay soil and silt deep deposit vs. a shallow silt soil limited with a petrocalcic layer. Comparison refers to minera] composition of vegetative parts, grape quality in maturity and quality of wine resulting. These soil units have been determinate using very detailed soil cartography based on FAO methodology.
Results indicate that Cabernet-Sauvignon on slate-schist deep stony soil shows a better level of mineral nutrients on vegetative parts compared to calcareous or silties soils. This type of soil has large porous space and depth, allows a large root growth and distribution and also the maintenance of a good sanitary condition in the root zone. The evolution of grape composition from the veraison to harvest suggest that slate-schist deep stony soil and shallow silt soil have a correlation with vigour, yield, berry weight and colour degree. Specific dynamics of soil water, varying holding capacity and available water in each phenologic stage can determinate the increase in quality in these soils. Otherwise, wines obtained of each terroir, using microvinifications, show inportant differences in aroma and structure. That indicates that the knowledge of distribution of terroir in large A.O.C. areas is essential to optimise plantations in terms of quality.

DOI:

Publication date: February 15, 2022

Issue: Terroir 2002

Type: Article

Authors

X. SORT and A.ZAYAS

Viticulture Department. Miguel Torres S.A. C/ Comerç 22. 08720 Vilafranca del Penedès. Spain

Keywords

Cabernet sauvignon, qualité de ta vendange, A.O.C. Penedès, Cartographie du sol, terroir
cabernet sauvignon, harvest quality, Penedès A.O.C., soil cartography, terroir

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2002

Citation

Related articles…

Influence of nitrogen source on expression of genes involved in aroma production in Saccharomyces uvarum

Saccharomyces uvarum has interesting properties that can be exploited for the production of fermented beverages. Particularly, the cryotolerance and capacity to produce high amounts of volatile compounds offers new opportunities for the wine industry.

Exploring intra-vineyard variability with sensor- and molecular-based approaches 

The application of remote and proximal sensing is a fast and efficient method to monitor grapevine vegetative and physiological parameters and is considered valuable to derive information on associated yield and quality traits in the vineyard. Further details can be obtained by the application of molecular analysis at the gene expression level aiming at elucidating how pathways controlling the formation of different grape quality traits are influenced by spatial variability. This work aims at evaluating intra-vineyard variability in grape composition at harvest and at comparing this with remotely sensed canopy vegetation data and molecular-based approaches.

Study of fungal and bacterial laccases for the reduction of ochratoxin A content in model wine

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several filamentous fungi infecting grape bunches (Penicillium and Aspergillus spp.), this toxin pass to must when grapes are crushed and later it is found in wine. Following the evaluations of the toxicity of OTA, European Commission Regulations have been promulgated introducing upper limits for OTA concentrations in various commodities (cereals, cereal products, dried vine fruit, coffee, wine, grape juice, baby foods and dietary foods for special medical purposes).

Typicality related to terroir: from conceptual to perceptual representation: study of the links with enological practices

The conceptual image of a wine related to the terroir has consequences in technical terms. Among factors affecting the typicality, producers put forward the environmental factors of the terroir system

Designing and managing a sustainable vineyard in a climate change scenario

Extension of the growing season, compression of the annual growth cycle and higher frequency and severity of weather extreme events are consistent features of global warming. While mitigation of factors causing global warming is necessary in the medium-long term, wine growers need “ready to go” adaptation practices to counteract negative effects bound to climate change. This must be done in a sustainably way, meaning that remunerative yield, desired grape quality, low production cost and environment friendly solutions must be effectively merged. In this work, we will review contribution given over the last two decades prioritizing issues related to scion and rootstock choice, changes in vineyard floor management, new perception related to the use of irrigation in vineyards, adaptation practices aimed at decompress maturity, solutions to counteract or minimize damages due to late frost and sunburn and, lastly, some hints on how precision viticulture can help with all of this.