Teran is an important native variety grown in Istria known for its high level of polyphenols and intensive fruity character of wines. Teran’s yield and wine typicity have recently decreased due to climate changes (increased temperature and severe drought). Four drip irrigation treatments (25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of total evapotranspiration) and control were investigated for the influence on Teran yield and quality, where focus was given to the content and composition of main polyphenolic and volatile compounds in grapes. Irrigation positively influenced yield since the berry weight also increased with increased irrigation. This resulted in the highest yield for 100% ETc. The highest concentration of polyphenols had control, while the irrigation treatments did not differ significantly. However, there was a tendency to decrease concentration with increased irrigation probably due to the increased berry size, which led to a dilution effect. Regarding the volatile compounds, the most abundant group was alcohols, followed by acids.

In interaction with climate and genetic or human factors, the soil is a major component of the viticulture terroir. The mineral composition of the soil influences vine performance and wine sensory attributes. Among the elements that vines take from the soil, nitrogen is the one that has the strongest impact on vine physiology, vigor and grape composition. In addition to its major effect on primary metabolites in berries, nitrogen plays also a decisive role in the secondary metabolism, especially in the production of key compounds for berries quality, like volatile thiols, methoxypyrazines and glutathione (GSH).

Biogenic amines exist in numerous foods, including wine. They can have aliphatic (putrescine, cadaverine, spermine, and spermidine), aromatic (tyramine and phenylethylamine) and heterocyclic structure (histamine and tryptamine)

Aim: Sauvignon blanc displays a range of styles that can include prominent tropical and passionfruit aromas. Both sensory evaluation and chemical analysis have confirmed the above-average presence of ‘varietal thiols’ in the Sauvignon blanc wines from Marlborough, New Zealand.

Leaf removal in the fruit-zone has been employed to improve cluster light exposure and ventilation and therefore increase metabolite accumulation and reduce botrytis incidence in berries. When applied before flowering (early defoliation – ED), it can also decrease cluster compactness and regulate yield in high-yielding varieties. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ED on the physiology and metabolism of Aragonez (syn. Tempranillo) berries along the ripening period. The experiment was set up in 2013 at a commercial vineyard located in the Lisbon winegrowing region.