Phenological characterization of a wide range of Vitis Vinifera varieties

Yeast cell wall components are valuable biotechnological tools with applications in oenology and beyond [1], [2].

As the frequency and intensity of drought events increase, understanding the mechanisms of plant resilience to water deficit is crucial. To maintain an appropriate plant yield, a common practice is the application of high amounts of fertilizers with negative environmental impacts. The single and combined effect of water deficit and nutrient availability, namely nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), in Vitis Vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache was evaluated. Two-year-old grapevine plants grafted on SO4 rootstock were transferred in pots under semi-environmental conditions. During the growing season, plants were either maintained well-watered (100% ETc) or subjected to a controlled water deficit irrigation (33% ETc).

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.

Drought is one of the main challenges for viticulture in the context of global change. The choice of rootstock could be leveraged for vineyard adaptation to drought as we can improve plant performance without modifying the scion variety. However, most of the existing rootstocks, selected over a century ago, have a narrow genetic background which could compromise their adaptive potential.

Prematurely aged red wines are marked by intense prune and fig aromatic nuances that dominate the complex bouquet that can be achieved through bottle aging.