Mapping climate and bioclimatic indices at high-resolution in vineyard regions

With growing consumer interest in products without chemical additives, limiting the use of sulfites is a priority for the wine industry. Bioprotection is a biological alternative that avoids or reduces the risks of alterations that have a negative impact on the organoleptic quality of wines and, ultimately, on their acceptability to consumers. bioprotection can also provide a response to the risks of microbiological deviations, which are increased both by climate change and by the organization of harvesting operations, which increasingly include the use of multi-bins filled at the vine, exposing the harvest to sometimes high temperatures for longer periods of time.

This paper follows the one presented by Saayman at the International Symposium on Landscapes of Vines and Wines in the Loire Valley during July 2003. Where Saayman’s paper described the heritage and development of South African vineyard landscapes, this one focuses on how the landscape is used to assist in decision-making concerning the most important long term practices.

OTA occurrence in wine is well-documented, with higher levels typically found in red (< 0.01-7.63 μg/l), followed by rose (0.01-2.40 μg/l) and white wine (<0.01-1.72 μg/l). Incidence rates are nOTAble, with studies showing OTA present in 53% of 521 red wines, 69% of 98 rose, and 61% of 301 white wines analysed. In europe, wine is estimated to be the second source of OTA intake after cereals. Since 2006, the maximum allowable limit for OTA in wine is 2 μg/l, according to regulation (ec) no. 1881/2006.

Post-harvest grape berries dehydration/withering are worldwide applied to produce high-quality sweet and dry wines (e.i., Vin Santo, Tokaji, Amarone della Valpolicella). Temperature and water loss impact grape metabolism [1] and are key variables in modulating the production of grape compounds of oenological interest, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), secondary metabolites responsible for the aroma of the final wine.
The aim of this research was to assess the impact of post-harvest dehydration on free and glycosylated VOCs of two Italian red wine grapes, namely Nebbiolo and Aleatico, dehydrated in tunnel under controlled condition (varied temperature and weight-loss, at constant humidity and air flow). From these grapes Sforzato di Valtellina Passito DOCG and Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG, respectively.

Exposing berries to solar radiation improves most berry composition traits. Many of these effects have been linked to photomorphogenic mechanisms and berry temperature.