Terroir 1996 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Impact of urbanization on optimum wine Terroirs in the Bordeaux region sample of one township of the Entre-Deux-Mers Area

Impact of urbanization on optimum wine Terroirs in the Bordeaux region sample of one township of the Entre-Deux-Mers Area

Abstract

[English version below]

L’étude présentée porte sur une commune de l’Entre-Deux-Mers dans le bordelais. Nous caractérisons dans un premier temps les potentialités des sols vis-à-vis de la production de vins rouges de qualité (délimitation de terroirs grâce à la prise en compte des couvertures pédologiques et des caractéristiques morphométriques du terrain : pentes, expositions, convexités. Dans un second temps, nous récapitulons l’évolution historique des occupations des sols depuis 1790 : l’emplacement des vignes est ainsi localisé sur les terroirs respectifs des communes. Enfin, une étude prospective résultant d’enquêtes sur l’utilisation du foncier, situe le devenir prévisible de l’espace étudié (en particulier dans ses composantes viticoles et urbaines).
Les résultats mettent en évidence l’influence de la pression d’urbanisation sur la consommation du patrimoine rare et non renouvelable que sont les terroirs viticoles. Les enjeux patrimoniaux collectifs (protection d’un terroir) se manifestent ici en opposition avec des enjeux patrimoniaux individuels : les prix du foncier à bâtir orientent les stratégies des propriétaires fonciers sur de tels terroirs. De plus, l’urbanisation contribue à la disparition d’unités de production lorsqu’elles se trouvent enclavées dans des parcellaires devenus urbains. Les méthodes utilisées dans le cadre de cette étude peuvent constituer la base d’outils d’aménagement pour permettre la préservation d’un patrimoine d’une grande importance économique comme paysagère, que sont les terroirs viticoles. Le patrimoine sol est une composante essentielle à prendre en compte dans un objectif de développement durable : il y a une dimension économique de la filière viti-vinicole, dimension sociale (emplois directs et dérivés : tourisme, culture), dimension environnementale (imperméabilisation des surfaces urbaines, destruction de sols, métamorphose des paysages).

This study was carried out on a township of the Entre-Deux-Mers area in the Bordeaux wine region. We initially focused on soil potentialities as regards high quality red wine production. Criteria such as soil type, slope, aspect (sunlight) and curvatures were taken into account to produce a map of best potential “terroirs”. Secondly, land cover changes were studied from 1790 to the present. Past and present vineyard delimitations were compared with the above mentioned map. At the same time, interviews carried out on wine producers allowed us to foresee changes in land use. The main goal was to assess the evolution of urbanization on optimum wine “terroirs”. Results show that there are losses of those “terroirs” due to urbanization. In this case, collective and individual interests are opposed because in Entre-Deux-Mers, the price of arable land is lower than that of land zoned for building. Some wine producers prefer to sell their land for building purposes. As a result, some vineyards are surrounded by urban areas and are likely to disappear in a short period of time (access for machines is more difficult and pesticide treatments are not easily accepted).  It is important to protect wine growing soils because they constitute a valuable and a nonrenewable resource. They are the basis of the Bordeaux region’s landscapes and many economic (i.e. tourism) and social activities depend directly on their protection.

DOI:

Publication date: February 15, 2022

Issue: Terroir 2002

Type: Article

Authors

P. CHERY (1), X. CHONE (2), A. ARMITAGE-LEE, L. COMMAGNAC (1), M-F. SlAK. (1)

(1) LARGE, ENITA de Bordeaux, BP 201, f-33175 GRADIGNAN cedex
(2) Laboratoire d’Ecophysiologie de la Vigne, ENITA de Bordeaux, BP 201, f33175 GRADIGNAN cedex

Keywords

Terroir viticole, AOC, urbanisation, Entre-Deux-Mers, analyse spatiale
Terroir, urbanization, Bordeaux wine region, spatial analysis

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2002

Citation

Related articles…

Physiological and growth reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt to row orientation and soil water status

Advanced knowledge on grapevine row orientation is required to improve establishment, management and outcomes of vineyards on terroirs with different environmental conditions (climate, soil, topography) and in view of a future change to more extreme climatic conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of row orientation, plant water status and ripeness level on the physiological and viticultural reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt.

Effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California

San Joaquin Valley accounts for 40% of wine grape acreage and produces 70% of wine grape in California. Fruit quality is one of most important factors which impact the economical sustainability of farming wine grapes in this region. Due to the recent drought and expected labor cost increase, the wine industry is thrilled to understand how to improve fruit quality while maintaining the yield with less water and labor input. The present study aims to study the interactive effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on yield and berry compositions of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California.

The effects of cane girdling on berry texture properties and the concentration of some aroma compounds in three table grape cultivars

The marketability of the table grapes is highly influenced by the consumer demand; therefore the market value of the table grapes is mainly characterized by its berry size, colour, taste and texture. Girdling could cause accumulation of several components in plants above the ringing of the phloem including clusters and resulting improved maturity. The aim of the experiments was to examine the effect of girdling on berry texture characteristics and aroma concentration.

Application of a fluorescence-based method to evaluate the ripening process and quality of Pinot Blanc grape

The chemical composition of grape berries at harvest is one of the most important factors that should be considered to produce high quality wines. Among the different chemical classes which characterize the grape juice, the polyphenolic compound, such as flavonoids, contribute to the final taste and color of wines. Recently, an innovative non-destructive method, based on chlorophyll fluorescence, was developed to estimate the phenolic maturity of red grape varieties through the evaluation of anthocyanins accumulated in the berry skin. To date, only few data are available about the application of this method on white grape varieties.

Different yield regulation strategies in semi-minimal-pruned hedge (SMPH) and impact on bunch architecture

Yields in the novel viticulture training system Semi-Minimal-Pruned Hedge (SMPH) are generally higher compared to the traditional Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP). Excessive yields have a negative impact on the vine and wine quality, which can result in substantial losses in yield in subsequent vintages (alternate bearing) or penalties in fruit quality. Therefore yield regulation is essential. The bunch architecture in SMPH differs from VSP. Generally there is a higher amount but smaller bunches with lower single berry weights in SMPH compared to VSP.