Terroir 2016 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Terroir Conferences 9 Terroir 2016 9 Climates of Wine Regions Worldwide 9 Mapping climate and bioclimatic indices at high-resolution in vineyard regions

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

Abstract

Many of the world’s vineyard regions are located in regions of complex terrain, with the result there is significant local climate variation. The range of climatic conditions provides the opportunity for wine producers to readily adapt to the increasing influence of global warming on wine production by adjusting grape varieties and management practices to suit local environmental conditions. However, to allow this to happen, knowledge of fine scale variations in climate in vineyard regions needs to be improved. Our recent research has demonstrated that mesoscale atmospheric numerical models can be used to provide a good representation of the small-scale variations of climate in such regions of complex terrain. They are particularly useful for mapping mean daily temperature, which is the main variable used to derive bioclimatic indices of relevance to grapevine growth (such as the Huglin, Winkler, Grapevine Flowering Véraison and cool nights indices).

This paper provides examples of recent research in which the Weather Research and Forecasting climate model has been used to improve our understanding of climate variability at high spatial (1 km and less) and temporal (hourly) resolution within vineyard regions of different terrain complexity (e.g. in South Africa, New Zealand and France). Model performance is evaluated through comparison with automatic weather stations. The model output is used to investigate the spatial variability of derived bioclimatic indices and climatic hazards such as the occurrence of late frost, at high resolution across vineyard regions. Further analysis has also provided useful insights into grapevine response to spatial variability of climate through the prediction and mapping of dates of the key phenological stages of flowering and véraison.”.

DOI:

Publication date: June 22, 2020

Issue: Terroir 2016

Type: Article

Authors

Andrew Sturman (1), Peyman Zawar-Reza (1), Iman Soltanzadeh (2), Marwan Katurji (1), Valérie Bonnardot (3), Amber Parker (4), Mike Trought (5), Hervé Quénol (3), Renan Le Roux (3), Eila Gendig (6) and Tobias Schulmann (7)

(1) Centre for Atmospheric Research, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
(2) MetService, Wellington, New Zealand
(3) LETG-Rennes COSTEL, UMR 6554 CNRS, Université Rennes 2, Rennes, France
(4) Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
(5) Plant & Food Research Ltd., Marlborough Wine Research Centre, Blenheim, New Zealand
(6) Department of Conservation, Christchurch, New Zealand
(7) Catalyst, Christchurch, New Zealand

Contact the author

Keywords

Terroir, climate, bioclimatic indices, mapping, zoning

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2016

Citation

Related articles…

Role of Grape-Extractable Polyphenols in the Generation of Strecker Aldehydes and in the Instability of Polyfunctional Mercaptans during Wine Oxidation

Wine longevity is a complex multifactor phenomenon in which the weight of the different factors is not well known. One of the key factors of wine longevity is related to its resistance to oxidation. This property can be defined as the ability of the wine, under an exposure to oxygen, to keep its color, avoid accumulation of acetaldehyde and Strecker aldehydes (SA), and keep as long as

Irrigation and terroir: two opposite concepts? Point of view of international experts and french consumers

At long term, qualitative irrigation seems to be the most systematic, if not the best, cultural practice for dealing with climate change and yield increases without decrease grape quality.

Subsurface irrigation: a means to reduce chemical and water inputs in vineyards

Grape growers around the world are seeking to reduce their reliance on herbicides. However, traditional alternatives to chemical weed control do not always integrate seamlessly into established vineyard operations. Employing nonchemical weed management often requires trellis alterations, purchasing or hiring new equipment, and depending on region, may significantly increase tractor passes required to reach desired level of weed control. Critical thinking and thoughtful strategies are necessary to minimize expenditures and maintain quality during the transition away from herbicides. In this trial, irrigation was installed underground in an effort to minimize water loss due to evaporation, better direct the water to the vines, and reduce weed growth in the difficult to control undervine area.

Effect of alcoholic strength on the phenolic and furfural compounds of Brandy de Jerez aged in Sherry Casks®

Brandy is a spirit drink produced from wine spirit aged for at least six months in oak casks with a capacity of less than 1000 L and minimum alcohol by volume (ABV) of 36%. During the aging process, physicochemical and sensory changes take place. Manifested by colour, flavour or aroma variations that improve the quality of the initial distillate.

Soil or geology? And what’s the difference? Some observations from the New World

Observational historical geology seeks to establish the evolutionary history of the surface of Earth. This approach is applicable not only to bedrock, but to the soft material that lies at the surface, the stuff called soil by most people. The geologic perspective provides a view of this material that is quite different from that of soil science, at least as practiced by many in America.