The influence of terroir on the quality of wine of the Cahors A.O.C

From the chemical angle, Champagne wines are complex hydro-alcoholic mixtures supersaturated with dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂). During the pouring process and throughout the several minutes of tasting, the headspace of a champagne glass is progressively invaded by many chemical species, including gas-phase CO₂ in large majority. CO₂ bubbles nucleated in the glass and collapsing at the champagne surface act indeed as a continuous paternoster lift for aromas throughout champagne or sparkling wine tasting [1]. Nevertheless, inhaling a gas space with a concentration of gaseous CO₂ close to 30% and higher triggers a very unpleasant tingling sensation, the so-called “carbonic bite”, which might completely perturb the perception of the wine’s bouquet.

Context and purpose of the study. Red Blotch disease, an affliction caused by the Grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV), represents a formidable challenge for grape growers and winemakers in prominent viticultural regions around the world.

A study of the physiological and agronomical behaviour of the vine (cv. Chasselas) was conducted between 2001 and 2003 by the Swiss Federal Research Station for Plant Production at Changins (Agroscope RAC Changins) on various wine-growing farms (terroirs) in the Canton of Vaud (Switzerland), as part of a study project on Vaudois

The Douro demarcated region constitutes just over 50% of the area of mountain vineyard in the world, i.e., vineyards with slope gradients of 30% or above. Among the different (terraced) vineyard layouts, the formerly preferred wider terraces supporting two rows of vines and the currently advocated narrower single vine row, dominate the vineyards’ planting layout. The slope of these terraces, in other words, the supporting earth ramp, is a key element in these vineyards’ construction.

The recent development of regulatory genomics has raised increasing interest in plant research since transcriptional regulation of genes plays a pivotal role in many biological processes. By shedding light on the target genes of the various transcription factors (TFs), it is therefore possible to infer the influence they exert on the different molecular mechanisms. In this regard, the attention was focused on WRKYs, a family of TFs almost exclusively found in plant species. In grapevine, WRKYs are involved in several biological processes, playing a key role in berry development, hormonal balance and signalling, biotic and abiotic stresses responses, and secondary metabolites biosynthesis.