Soil Temperature and Climate Change: Implications for Mediterranean Vineyards 

Wine grapes exposed to wildfire smoke have resulted in wines with burnt and ashy sensory characteristics¹, that are undesirable qualities in wine. In extreme wildfire events, this can lead to total loss of grape crop. Currently there are no effective solutions in the market to prevent the uptake of smoke compounds into grapes. In this study, previously developed innovative film coatings were tested to analyze their effectiveness in reducing smoke phenol absorption². Four different cellulose nanofiber-based film types were investigated.

High-quality planting material is important for sustainable viticulture, and the early establishment of grapevine cuttings depends on rapid adventitious rooting and vigorous shoot growth.

Concerning sustainable Viticultures, the GiESCO notices the current confusion around the notions of:
– ‘integrated’ Viticulture which does not clearly set itself apart of classical so-called ‘reasoned’ Viticulture and involves series of certifications which are distinguishable with difficulty,
– ‘agro-ecological’ Viticulture which adds important elements of sustainability to ‘integrated’ Viticulture, without clarifying really the latter,
– ‘organic’ Viticulture which leans on some unbearable principles such as the opposition between chemical or natural products, with besides a frequent recourse to copper-products,
– ‘biodynamic Viticulture’ which recommends environment-friendly methods, but for very not scientifically verified.

The combination of Torulaspora delbrueckii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in co-inoculation and sequential inoculation in winemaking was investigated as an innovative strategy to increase the aromatic profile of wines like Verdeca and Nero di Troia wines, two traditional varieties from south-eastern Italy (Apulia Region).

Viticulture is threatened by the environmental modification caused by climate change. Higher temperatures determine an acceleration of the ripening process, which can be detrimental to wine quality. In the mediterranean area, heat waves are also increasingly frequent, with consequent blocking of the vegetative activity of the vines and increased susceptibility to sunburn damage. thus, adaptation strategies are necessary to reduce stress and improve the quality of grape production. Amongst the various techniques available, shading nets represent an interesting alternative for their effects on canopy microclimate (i.e., reduction of photosynthetic activity, improvement of water use efficiency, and slowing down in the ripening process).