An integrated terroir characterization is currently realized in the French northern vineyard: “Anjou”. The concept of Basic Terroir Unit (B.T.U.) and its associated ground model “Rock, Alteration, Alterite” are used in this characterization. This work is coupled to a viticultural survey, based on parcels. These two approaches allow an analysis of the degree of perception of terroir and its valorization by vine growers. This analysis is realized at two scales: the ground model “Rock, Alteration, Alterite” applied in the whole study area and the B. T. U. for the both main geological systems: the metagrauwacke of the brioverian period and the green to grey sandstone schist of the ordovician-devonian period.
At the ground model scale, the vine growers have well differentiated the three environments by mesoclimatic (temperature of air, risk of frost), pedoclimatic (temperature and humidity of soil) and pedologic criteria. They have perceived also influences of the environment type on the behavior of the vine and integrated them in their viticultural and oenological practices. The analysis at B.T.U. scale, confirms the pertinence of the ground model “Rock, Alteration, Alterite” on the perception of pedoclimatic and pedologic characteristics and an important influence of the geological system on the mesoclimate of the parcel and on the vine behavior.
Authors: LYDIE THÉLIER-HUCHÉ (1), E. JOURDREN (2), R. MORLAT (2)
(1) SAGAH, unité mixte INRA-INH, BP 57, 49071 Beaucouzé Cedex, France
(2) INRA, Unité de Recherches sur la Vigne et le Vin, BP 57, 49071 Beaucouzé Cedex, France