Terroir 2016 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Electromagnetic conductivity mapping and harvest zoning: deciphering relationships between soil and wine quality

Electromagnetic conductivity mapping and harvest zoning: deciphering relationships between soil and wine quality

Abstract

Using electromagnetic conductivity mapping and GIS technology, we identified two unique soil zones within a 0.8-hectare Cabernet Franc block in central Virginia, USA. For three vintages we implemented a differential harvest and experimental winemaking based on soil zoning and noted that each zone produces unique wines despite the fact that both consist of the same rootstock, clone, row orientation, trellis system, vine age and undergo the same farming practices.

Significant differences observed between the two lots, particularly potassium (K+) levels and pH of the fruit and wine, have been consistent from vintage to vintage. Our findings suggest a relationship between soil physical characteristics, site hydrology, soil chemistry, nutrient levels in the vine and fruit, and wine chemistry (specifically K+ and pH).

DOI:

Publication date: June 23, 2020

Issue: Terroir 2016

Type: Article

Authors

Ernest BEASLEY IV, MS, CPG (1), Benoit PINEAU (2), Lucie MORTON (3)

(1) HydroGeo Environmental, LLC, 418 East Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
(2) Pollak Vineyards, 330 Newtown Road, Greenwood, Virginia 22943
(3) Vitipiont International Research Centre, PO Box 5607, Charlottesville, Virginia 22905

Contact the author

Keywords

geophysics, viticulture, terroir, soil, management zoning, potassium, wine, precision viticulture

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2016

Citation

Related articles…

Effect of the addition of peptidic hydrolysates from grape pomace by-products to red wines in warm regions

High temperatures typical of warm climates cause the colour of red wines to become increasingly unstable over time.

Identification and evaluation of the winemaking sub-zones of the PDO Amyndeo winegrowing region

Context and purpose of the study. The concept of terroir encompasses the investigation of the physical environment’s influence on grapevine physiology, grape composition, and wine quality, with an emphasis on employing viticultural zoning techniques to systematically characterize and analyze terroirs.

Observatoire Grenache en Vallée du Rhône: incidence du terroir sur certains précurseurs d’arômes et substances volatiles

As observed in other grape varieties, Red Grenache juice contains low level of volatiles. The main flavor compounds are ” Iock up “as flavorless glycoconjugates which could generate at the wine pH volatile flavorants and constitute the varietal aroma of this cultivar.

Microbial consortia as a tool for sustainable vineyard management: A study on their acceptance among Veneto region’s grape-growers

In recent years, sustainability has become a key focus in agriculture, including viticulture.

Soil fertility and confered vigour by rootstocks

The adaptation of rootstock to scion variety and soil determines largely the control of the vegetative growth for grapevine. Many experiments were performed in the vineyard to classify the rootstocks according to their soil adaptation and to their effect on vine vigour. So far there are no data describing the course of appearance of rootstock effects after plantation. Moreover the underlying mechanisms of conferred vigour remain largely unknown.