Exploring high throughput secondary trait phenomics to improve grapevine breeding

Context and purpose of the study. The genetic improvement of grapevines at the Edmund Mach Foundation (FEM) has evolved significantly since its inception, and its philosophy on sustainable viticulture through crossbreeding techniques aligns with the urgent need to reduce chemical use in agriculture.

Aims: The aims of this work were (1) to assess the changes in some of the main bioclimatic indices used for climate viticultural zoning within the Rioja Appellation area in the north of Spain between 1950-2014 (60 years), and (2) to carry out a comprehensive sociological evaluation among grapegrowers and winemakers of this region, to better understand the impact of climate change on their activity, their degree of concern about it and the potential adaptation measures they would be willing to adopt to cope with it in future years.

Acidity is often touted as a predictor of wine ageability, though surprisingly few studies have systematically investigated the chemical basis for this claim.

Yeast cell walls (CWs) may adsorb wine components with a significant impact on wine quality. When dealing with red wines, this adsorption is mainly related to physicochemical interactions between wine polyphenols and cell wall mannoproteins. However, mannoproteins are a heterogeneous family of complex peptidoglycans including long and highly branched N-linked oligosaccharides and short linear O-linked oligosaccharides, resulting in a huge structural diversity.

Wine tourism has transformed from a leisure activity into a crucial part of the tourist experience, significantly contributing to rural tourism’s expansion in italy. It has witnessed a notable surge in popularity in recent years, evolving as a key motivator for travel (antonioli corigliano, 2002; brunori & rossi, 2000; città del vino & censis servizi, 2011; garibaldi, 2018; 2019a; 2020; montanari, 2009; romano & natilli, 2009). The allure of wine tourism, driven by sensory experiences and cultural immersion, continues to attract a diverse group of tourists. The economic impact is substantial, with events and festivals contributing approximately €2.5 billion annually.