Using nanopore skim-sequencing to characterise regional epigenetic variability in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Lambrusco is a commercially successful sparkling red and rosé wine. With 13.06 million litres sold in 2021 was the second best-selling Italian wine after Chianti. According to National Catalogue of Vine Varieties there are thirteen Lambrusco Varieties with which to date are produced seven PDO wines. Among these, “Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce”, “Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro” and “Lambrusco di Sorbara” are the only ones that can be considered mono-varietal appellations, all located in Modena area. The PDOs contemplate the possibility of producing wines by secondary fermentation either in tank (Charmat method), or in bottle (Classico method). Sur lie is a third method commonly employed for Lambrusco, similar to the Classico method, from which differs for the absence of disgorgement.

Volatile phenols namely 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol are formed by enzymatic decarboxylation of hydroxycinnamic acids by Brettanomyces yeasts to give vinylphenols and subsequent reduction of the vinyl group to form the correspondent ethylphenols. The presence of these compounds in wine affects negatively its aromatic quality, conferring unpleasant animal and phenolic odor when present in quantities above the olfactory detection threshold [1]. Several methods have been described to remove these undesirable compounds from wines, including the use laccase enzymes [2, 3]. Due to this, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of several natural redox mediators on the activity of Botrytis cinerea laccase against these volatile phenols.

Fungus resistant grape varieties (FRGV or PIWI) offer many benefits such as less pesticide use or premium prices for enhanced sustainability. Still, winemakers are concerned about inferior wine quality. This study evaluates how European wine consumers assess wines made from new FRGVs in comparison to traditional V. vinifera varieties. Most of them were grown in the same vineyard. Four white (Calardis Blanc, Muscaris, Sauvignac, Cabernet Blanc) und three red (Satin Noir, Cabernet Cortis, Laurot) FRGV were compared to Riesling, Sauvignon blanc, Muskateller, Cab. Sauvignon and Merlot. For each FRGV, different styles were vinified using standardized protocols.

A multidisciplinary approach aiming at studying the grape-growing areas also referred as “Terroir” was initiated a few years ago in Switzerland.

Climate change effects in Languedoc include an expected rise in temperatures, increased evapotranspiration as well as more severe and frequent climatic hazards, such as frost, drought periods and heat waves. For winegrowers theses phenomena impact both yield and quality, resulting in more frequent unbalanced wines. Research on identified mitigation tools for vineyard management is necessary to improve resilience of grapevine agrosystems. Varietal assortment is one of them. This study focuses on agronomic and oenologic potential of 14 foreign varieties grown in Languedoc French region. Fourteen grapevine varieties were monitored during 2021 from June until harvest on eight different sites, some of which occurring on more than one site adding up to 21 different modalities: 7 white varieties Alvarinho B, Assyrtiko B (2), Malvasia Istriana B, Parellada B, Verdejo B, Verdelho B, Xarello B, and 7 black varieties Saperavi N (2), Touriga nacional N, Baga N, Aleatico N, Montepulciano N (2), Primitivo N (3), Calabrese N (3). Varietals were compared through the following parameters: phenology was assessed by using the information collected in the Database Network of French Vine Conservatories (INRAE-SupAgro-IFV, 2005-2015). The number of inflorescences for shoots from secondary buds and bourillons and suckers were observed to assess post-bud break frost tolerance potential. Grapevine water status was studied through stem water potential measurement, observation of foliage symptoms of drought, and 𝛿13C on must. Frequencies and intensities of downy mildew, powdery mildew, and black rot attacks were estimated before harvest on leaves and clusters and botrytis at harvest to assess disease susceptibilities. Berry composition was monitored from end of veraison until harvest. Yield and mean bunch weight were also calculated. Varieties were then ranked on a 1-4 scale for each parameter and compared through PCA. Forty two stations of the Mediterranean basin were compared by PCA with the Multicriteria Climatic Classification indicators in order to confront the collected information during 2021 campaign to the hypothesis that plants coming from dry and hot regions are genetically adapted to such climatic conditions.