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…

Impact of closures on aroma of godello and torrontés white wines post-bottling

Aromatic composition contributes mainly to the quality aroma of white wine. A natural and gradual evolution of the aroma in the bottle occurs over storage with a very low oxygen content.

SIP and save the planet: a sensory and consumer exploration of australian wines made from potentially drought-tolerant white wine grapes

In order to attenuate the effects of climate change on the ability to cultivate quality wine grape vines in Australia, it is essential to adapt to the projected less favourable Australian climate scenarios. One response may be to convert a portion of the current grapevine plantings to those varieties that demand less water and can tolerate increased heat. This investigation aimed to (i) generate sensory profiles and (ii) obtain knowledge about Australian wine consumers’ preferences and opinions of Australian wines made from potentially drought tolerant, white wine grape varieties not traditionally cultivated in Australia. A Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) sensory panel (n = 49) generated sensory profiles of 44 commercial white wines made from 7 different white grape varieties (Arinto, Fiano, Garganega, Greco, Verdejo, Verdelho and Vermentino), plus two benchmark examples each of an Australian Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay wine.

Unraveling the role of grape cell wall in shaping the fermentation rate, the polyphenolic profile and quality of red wines from disease-resistant and drought-tolerant grapes in Occitanie varietal selection

Climate change and an evolving environmental and societal context call for the exploration of disease-resistant and/or drought-adapted grape varieties that meet the demands of consumers and society.

Mathematical modeling of fermentation kinetics: a tool to better understand interactions between Torulaspora delbrueckii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in mixed cultures

Nowadays the use of Torulaspora delbrueckii is more and more common in winemaking. However, its behavior in presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is not always predictable.

Canopy photosynthetic activity and water relations of Syrah/R99 as affected by row orientation on a particular terroir

L’activité photosynthétique et les relations hydriques de plantes de Syrah sur R99 un mois après la véraison ont été étudiées dans un vignoble de la région de Stellenbosch. Le vignoble, planté à 2,75 entre rangs et 1,5 m sur le rang, sur un sol de type Glenrosa, était en pente et exposé a l’ouest: pour les rangs on avait adopté une orientation nord