An evaluation of the physiological responses of young grapevines planted and maintained under water constraint 

In a context of reducing herbicide use, the most part of French vineyards are developing permanent grass cover crops on inter-rows alleys, while under the row chemical weeding remains the general case. The setting up of a controlled grass cover crop under the vine row could be a complementary alternative to mechanical weeding – which one is very restrictive – interesting from a technical and economical point of view. The present study aimed at assessing agronomic impacts of grass cover crop under the row in different climatic conditions and production objectives.

Cover crops in vineyards have been extensively studied, as the choice of grass species and their management significantly influence soil properties and vine performance.

AIM: Proteins in white wine can cause cloudiness or haze after bottling, which consumers may consider an indicator of poor quality. . As a consequence, winemakers often use bentonite, a clay-based material that binds protein, to remove proteins and achieve protein stabilisation. However, removing bentonite from wine after treatment can result in a 3-10% loss of wine (1)…

Establish relationships between taste and mouthfeel properties of grapes and tannin-related chemical parameters. Tempranillo Tinto and Garnacha Tinta grapes were harvested from distinct blocks in different dates; each sample collection date was separated by one week. Grapes were destemmed and macerated in 15% of ethanol for one week. The polyphenolic fraction (PF) of samples was submitted to solid phase extraction on C18 cartridges and recovered with ethanol. PFs were reconstituted in wine model and their taste and mouthfeel properties were characterised by rate-K-attributes methodology. In parallel, concentration (TC) and activity (TAc) of tannins as well as the concentration of tannins linked to anthocyanins (T-A) were determined using HPLC-UV–VIS.

Climate projections for the future suggest favourable conditions for some wine producing regions, but challenging conditions for others. For instance, temperature increases are likely to shift grapevine phenology, ripening and harvest dates, and potentially affect grape quality and yield.