Decline of rootstock-mediated physiological responses in Tempranillo grapevines by prolonged extreme conditions

During the year 2009 we have studied the phenology and grape composition of Mencía cultivar in seven different situations (orientation and altitude) for Amandi subzone

Adrenaline (epinephrine) belongs to catecholamine class. It is a neurotransmitter and both a hormone which is released by the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal medulla in response to a range of stresses in order to regulate blood pressure, cardiac stimulation, relaxation of smooth muscles and other physiological processes. Adrenaline exhibits an effective antioxidant capacity (1). However, adrenalin is capable to auto-oxidation and in this case it generates toxic reactive oxygen intermediates and adrenochrome. Under in vitro conditions, auto-oxidation of adrenaline occurs in an alkaline medium (2).

Traditional drought tolerant varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Monastrell, and Syrah [1], have been used as parents in the grapevine breeding program initiated by the Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Medioambiental (IMIDA) in 1997 [2]. This work presents the results of evaluating three new genotypes obtained from crosses between ‘Monastrell’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (MC16 and MC80) and between ‘Monastrell’ and ‘Syrah’ (MS104), comparing their performance under conditions of water scarcity and high temperatures with that of their respective parental varieties. For this purpose, the six genotypes were cultivated under controlled irrigation conditions (60% ETc) and rainfed conditions.

It is well documented that varietal aroma is an important parameter of wine quality. Chemical compounds responsible for wine varietal aroma are sourced from secondary grape metabolites. Until today little research is conducted on the influence of vine clone on the grape aromatic content of Greek grape varieties. Xinomavro (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important Greek grape varieties, valuable for the wine industry of Northern Greece since it contributes to the production of PDO wine of Naoussa, Amindeo and Goumenissa.

Varietal thiols are considered for years as key aroma compounds in many wines. Their main origin is the cleavage during alcoholic fermentation of S-conjugate precursors present in grapes and musts, even if the levels of precursors already identified struggle to completely explain the levels of thiols found in wine.