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).

Download the PDF

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…

Deficit irrigation and mechanical canopy management affect berry and wine phenolic and aroma composition of Syrah in Central California

Labor shortage is one of the most crucial issues in current viticulture. Mechanized approaches are helpful in reducing production costs and increasing vineyard efficiency but their effect on grapes and wines needs evaluation. This work assess the results of combined mechanical pruning and shoot thinning with deficit irrigation strategies to reduce management costs but not quality of production.

Read More

A vine physiology-based terroir study in the AOC-Lavaux region in Switzerland

Understanding how different pedoclimatic conditions interact with vine and berry physiology, and subsequently impact wine quality, is paramount for an good valorization of viticultural terroirs and can help to optimize mitigation strategies in the face of global warming

Read More

High levels of copper and persistent synthetic pesticides in vineyard soils

Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) and bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea) are the most prevalent fungal diseases in viticulture.

Read More

Using remotely sensed (UAV) and in situ field measurements to describe grapevine canopy characteristics

Row orientation and canopy management are essential for high quality grapevine production. Microclimatic conditions of the leaves and fruits can be influenced by the canopy geometry. Remote sensing is a very promising tool to describe vegetative growth and physiological behavior of vineyards. However, the correlation between remotely sensed data and in situ field measurements has been described scarcely in the scientific literature so far. The aim of the study was to correlate remotely sensed data obtained with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with in situ field measurements to describe canopy structure.

Read More

Shifting wine consumption trends (2019-2024): market dynamics, sustainability, and consumer preferences

This study examined the evolution of wine consumption trends from 2019 to 2024, analyzing market dynamics, sustainability preferences, and generational shifts in consumer behavior.

Read More