Terroir 1996 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Methodology and zoning of A.O.C. natural soils. Example of “Pic Saint-Loup”

Methodology and zoning of A.O.C. natural soils. Example of “Pic Saint-Loup”

Abstract

[English version below]

Les travaux menés, dans le cadre du programme départemental pour la connaissance et la valorisation des terroirs viticoles, sur l’aire A.O.C. Coteaux du Languedoc / Pic Saint-Loup ont permis d’appliquer à l’échelle d’une Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (13 communes), une méthodologie d’étude axée sur les aspects sol/climat/topographie qui concourent à l’identification des terroirs naturels, facteurs de typicité des vins. Dans un premier temps, un «diagnostic» de l’ensemble des critères du milieu naturel a été réalisé. Après avoir défini le cadre géologique, une prospection agro-pédologique au 1/10.000ème a permis de cartographier les différentes unités de sol ainsi que leurs positions topographiques. Les conditions climatiques sont également précisées d’un point de vue statistique (stations météo au sein de l’aire et stations limitrophes).

Dans un second temps, il était intéressant d’associer plus étroitement ces caractéristiques agro­environnementales à la culture de la vigne et à l’élaboration d’un vin typique. On approche ainsi au plus près de la notion de «terroir». Dans ce cadre, une singularité bioclimatique du Pic Saint-Loup a été identifiée sur la base de 3 indices viticoles corrélés à des caractéristiques intrinsèques et spécifiques des vins du Pic Saint-Loup. Les différentes unités de terroir naturel ont été cartographiées (typologie du sol, avec une estimation de la disponibilité en eau, associée au bilan radiatif) et décrites sous les différents aspects qui font leurs identités.

The works led, within the local program for the knowledge and the valorization of the wine soils, on the area A.O.C. Coteaux du Languedoc / Pic Saint-Loup allowed to apply on the scale of a registrated appellation origin (13 municipalities), a methodology of study centered on aspects ground/climate/topography which contribute to the identification of natural soils, factors of typical wines. At first, a «diagnosis » of ail the criteria of the natural environment was realized. Having definite the geologic frame, an agro-pedological prospecting to the 1/10.000th allowed mapping the various unities of ground as well as their topographic positions. The climatic conditions are also clarified by a statistical point of view (meteorological stations within the area and bordering stations).

In a second time, it was interesting to associate more strictly these agro-environmental characteristics to the culture of the vineyard and to the elaboration of a typical wine. One approaches so in closer the notion of “soil”. In this frame, a bioclimatic peculiarity of the Pic Saint Loup was identified on the basis of 3 wine indicators correlated in intrinsic and specific characteristics of wines of Pic Saint Loup. The various units of natural soil were mapped (typology of ground, with an estimation of the availability in water, associated to the radiative assessment) and described under the various aspects which make their identities.

DOI:

Publication date: February 15, 2022

Issue: Terroir 2002

Type: Article

Authors

Jean-Paul STORAÏ (1), Jean-Luc TONDUT (2)

(1) Conseil général de l’Hérault – 1000 rue d’Alco – F. 34087 Montpellier cedex 4
(2) Association Climatologique de l’Hérault – 85 avenue d’Assas – F 34000 Montpellier

Keywords

méthodologie, terroir naturel, sol, climat, viticulture
methodology, natural soil, ground, climate, vine growing(2) Association Climatologique de l’Hérault – 85 avenue d’Assas – F 34000 Montpellier

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2002

Citation

Related articles…

The impacts of frozen material-other-than-grapes (MOG) on aroma compounds of red wine varieties

An undesirable note called “floral taint” has been observed in red wines by winemakers in the Niagara region caused by large volumes of frozen leaves and petioles [materials-other-than-grapes (MOG)] introduced during mechanical harvest and subsequent winemaking late in the season. The volatiles, which we hypothesized are responsible, are primarily terpenes, norisoprenoids, and specific esters in frozen leaves and petioles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the volatile compounds which may cause the floral taint problem and explore how much of them (thresholds) may lead to the problem. Also, the glycosidic precursors of some of these compounds were analyzed to see the changes happening during frost events.

Aromatic profile of six different clones of Chardonnay grape berries in Minas Gerais (Brazil)

Aromas are one of the key points in food analysis since they are related to character, quality and consequently consumer acceptance. It is not different in the winery industry, where the aromatic profile is a combination of viticultural and oenological practices. Based on the development of more aromatic clones and on the potential to produce sparkling wines at Caldas, in the southern region of Minas Gerais (Brazil) (21°55´S and 46°23´W, altitude 1,100m), the aim of this work was the determination of volatile compounds in six different clones of Chardonnay grape berries to better understand which compounds add bouquet to the wine, and additionally comprehend the impacts of the edaphoclimatic and annual conditions on the improvement of grape-growing and winemaking practices.

Improving stilbenes in vitis Labrusca L. Grapes through methyl jasmonate applications

Grapes (Vitis sp.) are considered a major source of phenolic compounds such as flavonols, anthocyanins and stilbenes. Studies related to the beneficial effects of these compounds on health have encouraged research aimed at increasing their concentration in fruits. On this behalf, several plant growth regulators such as jasmonic acid and its volatile ester, methyl-jasmonate (MeJa), have demonstrated promising results in many fruits. However, Brazilian subtropical climate might interfere on treatment response. The present study aims to evaluate the application of MeJa in the pre-harvest period in Concord and Isabel Precoce grapes (Vitis labrusca L.).

Service crop effects on grapevine water and nitrogen status and yield under Mediterranean climate

Service crops in vineyard can provide multiple ecosystem services but they can also lead to competition with the grapevine for soil resources in the Mediterranean region due to potential severe droughts (Garcia et al., 2018). One of the levers of action to manage this competition is the choice of species adapted in terms of growth dynamics and water and nutrients’ needs. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of temporary service crops on grapevine water and nitrogen status and grapevine yield and yield components in a Mediterranean vineyard.

Impact of deficit irrigation strategies on terpene concentration in Gewürztraminer grapes

Deficit irrigation is a viticultural practice often applied to improve the phenolic composition of red grapes and wines. However, the impact of this practice on grape terpenes – key aromatics for several grapes and wines – remains largely unknown. This study investigated the impact of deficit irrigation strategies on free and glycosylated terpenes in Gewürztraminer grapes. In a field study conducted in Oliver, BC, in 2016, 2017, and 2018, deficit irrigation regimes were applied to Gewürztraminer vines at different developmental stages (pre-veraison = Early Deficit, ED; post-veraison = Late Deficit, LD; throughout the season = Prolonged Deficit, PD). A well-irrigated control (CN) treatment was also established.