terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Congress on Grapevine and Wine Sciences 9 2ICGWS-2023 9 Impact of temperature and solar radiation on grape composition variability in the Saint-Emilion winegrowing area 

Impact of temperature and solar radiation on grape composition variability in the Saint-Emilion winegrowing area 

Abstract

Grape composition is strongly influenced by climate conditions. Their expected modifications in near future, notably because of increased temperatures, could significantly modify the biochemical composition of berries at harvest, and thus wine typicity and quality. Elevated temperatures favor sugar accumulation in grapes, enhance malic acid degradation and modify the amino acid content. They also reduce significantly anthocyanin accumulation in Merlot,leading to the imbalance between anthocyanins and sugars, while no significant effects on final anthocyanin levels were reported in Tempranillo[1] and finally affect aromas or aroma precursors. However, at local scale, several other environmental factors also contribute to the overall berry composition variability between nearby vineyards and the impact of each individual factor is difficult to identify. In this context, the objective of our study was to clarify the effect of temperature variability across a network of vineyards from the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wine producing areas, by selecting well-characterized Merlot plots presenting significant temperature differences and gradients at various time scales linked to environmental factors[2].

The selected sites were characterized by similar soils, vine age and training system. The average temperature difference during the ripening period was about 2°C between the coldest and warmest sites. Samples of 20 to 50 berries were collected at different phenological stages from véraison to maturity in 2019 and 2020. In order to further investigate the putative impact of cluster exposure to solar radiation, the biochemical composition of berries in clusters from each side of differently oriented rows (E/W or N/S) was evaluated separately and combined with RNA-seq technology to screen differentially expressed genes at the transcriptome level.

Results showed significant effects on grape composition and gene expression profiles in relation with temperature, site, and bunch azimuth, with a noteworthy impact of temperature and solar radiation exposure on anthocyanin content in grape skins.

Acknowledgements: this project was supported by “Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bordeaux “ (CIVB) n°51640/18008/9/10

References :

  1. Arrizabalaga-Arriazu, M. et al, (2020). High temperature and elevated CO2 modify berry composition of different clones of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Tempranillo, Front. Plant Sci. dec 2020, 11:603687. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2020.603687
  2. de Rességuier L et al (2020). Temperature variability at local scale in the Bordeaux area. Relations with environmental factors and impact on vine phenology. Front Plant Sci. may 20,11:515. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00515

DOI:

Publication date: October 11, 2023

Issue: ICGWS 2023

Type: Poster

Authors

Ghislaine Hilbert-Masson1, Christel Renaud1, Philippe Pieri1, Laure de Rességuier1, Cécile Thibon2, Céline Cholet2, David Lecourieux1, Sabine Guillaumie1, Nathalie Ollat1

1 EGFV, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, INRAE, ISVV, 33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
2 Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, INRAE, OENO, UMR 1366, ISVV, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon, France / Bordeaux Sciences Agro, 33170 Gradignan, France

Contact the author*

Keywords

vineyard, Merlot, climate change, solar radiation, metabolites, anthocyanins

Tags

2ICGWS | ICGWS | ICGWS 2023 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Biotic and abiotic factors affecting physiological aspects underlying vegetative vigour in two commercial grapevine varieties

Grapevine vigour, defined as the propensity to assimilate, store and/or use non-structural sugars for allowing fast growth of shoots and producing large canopies[1], is crucial to optimize vineyard management. Recently, a model has been proposed for predicting the vigor of young grapevines through the measurement of the vegetative growth and physiological parameters, such as water status and gas exchange[2]. Our objectives were (1) to explore the influence of the association of two grapevine varieties (Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon, grafted onto R110 rootstocks) with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the vegetative vigour of young plants; and (2) to assess the effect of environmental factors linked to climate change on the vegetative vigour of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Read More

Perception, liking and emotional response of tropical fruit aromas in Chardonnay wines

Tropical fruit aromas in wines are thought to be important to wine consumers, although there is little research to confirm this statement. With so many wine styles available, it has become important to understand the qualities that are desirable to consumers and how to achieve those qualities. Thiols and esters are compounds that have been found to cause tropical fruit aromas in chardonnay (ref). Fermentation temperature gradients and skin contact were found to increase these compounds using micro scale fermentations. This work aimed to scale up these fermentations/operations to determine if the desired tropical fruit aromas could still be achieved and if there is a perceivable difference in tropical fruit aromas, liking, and emotional response in the wines at the consumer level.

Read More

Assessment of plant water consumption rates under climate change conditions through an automated modular platform

The impact of climate change is noticeable in the present weather, making water scarcity the most immediate mediator reducing the performance and viability of crops, including grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). The present study developed a system (hardware, firmware, and software) for the determination of plant water use through changes in weight through a period. The aim is to measure the differences in grapevine water consumption in response to climate change (+4oC and 700 ppm) under controlled conditions. The results reveal a correlation between daily plant consumption rates and reference evapotranspiration (ETo).

Read More

Foliar application of urea improved the nitrogen composition of Chenin grapes

The nitrogen composition of the grapes directly affects the developments of alcoholic fermentation and influences the final aromatic composition of the wines. The aim of this study was to determine the effect and efficiency of foliar applications of urea on the nitrogen composition of grapes. This study was carried out during 2023 vintage and in the Chenin vineyard located in Estacion Experimental Mendoza (Argentina). Three urea concentrations 3, 6 and 9 Kg N/ha (C1, C2, and C3, respectively) and control (T) were applied in this vineyard at veraison.

Read More

Characterization of a Sémillon clonal population: exploring genetic diversity, metabolomic profiles, and phenotypic variations

Sémillon is a cultivated grape variety known for contributing to dry and sweet white wine production. However, only seven approved clones have been officially recognized in France[1]. In this study, we aimed to characterize the genetic diversity and metabolomic profiles of a Sémillon clonal population, shedding light on the potential variations within this important grape variety.

Read More