The key role of vineyard parcel in modifying flavor compounds of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes

In response to increasing societal demands for environmentally-friendly viticulture, winegrowers are adapting their cultivation techniques, particularly by reducing the use of herbicides.

Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG is a reinforced dry red wine produced in the mountain area of Valtellina alpine valley (North Italy), using ‘Nebbiolo’ grapes that undergo a withering process. This process impacts on the grape composition due to a sugar concentration and changes in secondary metabolism influencing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyphenols.

Hillside vineyards have a great potential to produce world class wines. The unique microclimate lead to the production of rich, flavory wines.

Planting grape varieties with several resistance loci towards powdery and downy mildew reduces the use of fungicides significantly. These fungus resistant or PIWI varieties (acronym of German Pilzwiderstandsfähig) contribute significantly to the 50% pesticide reduction goal, set by the European Green Deal for 2030. However, wine growers hesitate to plant PIWIs as they lack experience in vinification and are uncertain, how consumer accept and buy wines from these yet mostly unknown varieties. Grapes from four white and three red PIWI varieties were vinified in three vintages to obtain four diffe-rent white and red wine styles, respectively plus one rosé.

The traceability of agricultural products, including grapes, is essential for ensuring food safety, quality control, and supply chain transparency. This paper investigates the implementation of GS1 standards in enhancing the traceability of grapes from grower to consumer.