terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Assessing the climate change vulnerability of European winegrowing regions by combining exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity indicators

Assessing the climate change vulnerability of European winegrowing regions by combining exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity indicators

Abstract

Winegrowing regions recognized as protected designations of origin (PDOs) are closely tied to well defined geographic locations with a specific set of pedoclimatic attributes and strictly regulated by legal specifications. However, climate change is increasingly threatening these regions by changing local conditions and altering winegrowing processes. The vulnerability to these changes is largely heterogenous across different winegrowing regions because it is determined by individual characteristics of each region, including the capacity to adapt to new climatic conditions and the sensitivity to climate change, which depend not only on natural, but also socioeconomic and legal factors. Accurate vulnerability assessments therefore need to combine information about adaptive capacity and climate change sensitivity with projected exposure to new climatic conditions. However, most existing studies focus on specific impacts neglecting important interactions between the different factors that determine climate change vulnerability. Here, we present the first comprehensive vulnerability assessment of European wine PDOs that spatially combines multiple indicators of adaptive capacity and climate change sensitivity with high-resolution climate projections. We found that the climate change vulnerability of PDO areas largely depends on the complex interactions between physical and socioeconomic factors. Homogenous topographic conditions and a narrow varietal spectrum increase climate change vulnerability, while the skills and education of farmers, together with a good economic situation, decrease their vulnerability. Assessments of climate change consequences therefore need to consider multiple variables as well as their interrelations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the expected impacts of climate change on European PDOs. Our results provide the first vulnerability assessment for European winegrowing regions at high spatiotemporal resolution that includes multiple factors related to climate exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity on the level of single winegrowing regions. They will therefore help to identify hot spots of climate change vulnerability among European PDOs and efficiently direct adaptation strategies.

Download the PDF

DOI:

Publication date: May 31, 2022

Issue: Terclim 2022

Type: Article

Authors

Simon Tscholl1,2, Sebastian Candiago3,2, Thomas Marsoner2, Helder Fraga4, Carlo Giupponi3, and Lukas Egarter Vigl2

1Department of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
2Institute for Alpine Environment, Eurac Research, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy
3Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Department of Economics, Venezia, Italy 
4Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal

Contact the author

Keywords

adaptation, climate change, geographical indication, viticulture, vulnerability

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terclim 2022

Citation

Related articles…

« Wine routes »: a collective brand to build a wine reputation on the basis of terroir and landscapes

Le marché international du vin est désormais tourné vers la qualité et les vignobles de vin de masse se transforment pour construire la qualité et la réputation de leurs produits. Cette construction s’appuie notamment sur la valorisation de ressources territoriales de nature physique (terroir, pacage, écosystème) et humaine (savoir-faire, culture, patrimoine…). Les « Routes des Vins » sont des exemples concrets de ces processus de «territorialisation», combinant ces ressources territoriales pour communiquer sur l’ancrage géographique et la spécificité des vins. Les «Routes des Vins» émergentes, observées dans les régions vitivinicoles en transition vers la qualité, en Languedoc Roussillon, à Mendoza (Argentine) et au Western Cape (Afrique du Sud), participent souvent à la valorisation des terroirs, en organisant un itinéraire sur le territoire associé, en faisant découvrir les vins «de qualité», les paysages, les pratiques et le savoir-faire associés à leur élaboration.

Read More

Antifungal and Laccase-Suppressing Activity of Phenolic Compounds and Their Oxidation Products on Grey Mold-Fungus Botrytis cinerea

Botrytis cinerea causes grey mold that results in severe problems for wine makers worldwide. Infected grapes lead to quality deterioration including formation of off-flavors or browning. The latter is caused by the enzyme laccase which is capable of oxidizing a wide range of phenolic compounds. Since the use of conventional pesticides is associated with many concerns of consumers and authorities regarding environmental and health related issues and may result in fungicide resistance, the development of green alternatives is gaining more attention.

Read More

Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation with online multidetection is a viable tool to investigate colored red wine colloids

Despite its relevance for wine quality and stability, red wine colloids have not still been
sufficiently investigated, an occurrence due to the lack of suitable analytical techniques to study them as they are present in wine.

Read More

Identification of the agronomical and landscapes potentialities in “Côtes du Rhône” area (France)

“Côtes du Rhône”, like many other controlled appellation wine, represents high stakes in the economical, social cultural and historical domains. The scenery formed by vineyards reveals these cultural values. It offers by a pleasant and appealing environment for the inhabitants and the tourists. It is also a powerful marketing tool for the winemakers.

Read More

Utility of leaf removal timing and irrigation amounts on grape berry flavonoids under climate change

Context and purpose of the study – The dormant and growing season temperatures in California USA have been increasing with more clear sky days. A consequence increasing temperatures and clear sky days is water deficit conditions. Viticulturists must determine appropriate balances of canopy management and irrigation budgeting to produce suitable yields without compromising berry chemistry. In response, a study designed to test the interactive effects of leaf removal timing and applied water amounts on Cabernet Sauvignon/110R in Napa Valley, CA.

Read More