Second pruning as a strategy to delay maturation in cv. ‘Touriga nacional’ in the Portuguese Douro region

Colour is an important quality parameter in wines and is the result of a complex mixture of pigments
(including anthocyanins and their derivatives, quinones, xanthyllium compounds, etc.). Red wine colour changes over time as pigments react between themselves and with other wine macromolecules
(particularly polyphenols). During wine tasting, colour is normally assessed on the outer rim of the wine profile in a tilted glass, since most wines are too opaque to be analysed in the middle of the glass. Therefore, depending on the depth of observation considered, the perception of wine colour can be different.

I dati termo-pluviometrici del periodo 1971-2009 registrati da alcune stazioni della regione Abruzzo sono stati analizzati adottando alcuni semplici indici climatici e bioclimatici. E’ stato valutato il verificarsi di cambiamenti climatici così come le loro ripercussioni sulle date di inizio vendemmia.

Copper is listed among the active substances candidates for substitution (Regulation EU 2015/408). Yet still, because of the lack of valid alternatives, the European Commission recently confirmed its usage authorization by limiting the maximum amount to 28 Kg per hectare in 7 years, i.e. an average of 4 kg/year (Reg. EU 2018/1981).This restriction is due to copper accumulation in soils and surface waters both caused by a steady application, especially on perennial crops (Riepert et al., 2013). The aim of this work is to determine if treatments with reduced copper dosages are able to reach different grapevine’s organs, with particular focus on the core of bunches, and if these small amounts can ensure the respect of the legislative prescription, without compromising the phytosanitary conditions of the vineyards, thus grape yields.

Major factors involved in wine quality and typicity are soil type, climatic conditions, plant material (rootstock and cultivar), vineyard management practices and winemaking conditions.

Context and purpose of the study. Berry sunburn in vineyards is a recurring disorder that can cause severe yield loss. As sunburn observations are often associated with heat waves, a link to climate change is likely.