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…

Green pruning of shoots to force new sprouting of buds, in fruit set and in pea size: vegetative, productive and maturation effects, in cv. Verdejo

The context of climate crisis leads to the acceleration of technological ripening of grapes, with unsuitable loss of acidity, so various vineyard management alternatives are being considered to delay the grape ripening. The delay of the vegetative cycle towards a period of milder temperatures affects ripening, but vine behavior can vary according to the area, conduction, watering, variety, etc. A work is proposed to know the response to the green pruning of shoots, executed in fruit set and in pea size, in cv. Verdejo.

The exploitation of Croatian grapevine genetic resources for the breeding of new resistant cultivars 

Croatian viticulture is mainly based on native grapevine varieties susceptible to various diseases and pests, which leads to unsustainable use of large amounts of pesticides. The sustainable development of viticulture in the future will only be possible by increasing the resistance of the grapevine through the development of new resistant varieties. Breeding programs have been launched in the leading wine-growing countries to develop resistant varieties possessing high-quality levels. Native cultivars from Croatia are not included in the breeding programs of other countries.

Sustainable management of grapevine trunk diseases

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTD) occur wherever grapes are grown and are considered the main biotic factor reducing yields and shortening vineyards’ lifespan. Currently, no product is available to eradicate GTD once grapevines are infected. Therefore, prophylactic strategies based on pruning wound protection and ‘remedial surgery’, the only eradication method based on the elimination of infected wood and renewal of the vine by means of new canes or suckers, are the only effective strategies available. The Canadian grape and wine industry focusses on a sustainable production and thus, looking for alternatives to chemicals for disease management is a top priority.

Grapevine adaptation to drought and resistance to Neofusicoccum parvum, causal agent of Botryosphaeria dieback

The sustainability of viticulture in response to climate change has been addressed mainly considering agronomic impacts, such as water management and diseases, either separately or together.
In grapevines, there is strong evidence that different genotypes respond differently to biotic and abiotic stresses. A screening was conducted on various local cultivars in response to drought and Neofusicoum parvum infection aiming to evaluate their susceptibility to abiotic stress and resistance to fungal diseases.

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.