Techniques for sunburn reduction in bunches in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Graciano

Oenological tannins (OETs) are an alternative to sulphur dioxide due to their antioxidant and antioxidase properties in the early phase of winemaking [1,2].

The wine and distillery industries are among the most prominent sectors in EU agriculture, where 75% of grape production is dedicated to winemaking.

Syrah is a grape with weak aromatic expression. This atypical grape variety as a fruit allows the production of wines of great reputation for which the aromatic particularity plays an important role. The varietal aroma consists of volatile substances directly perceptible by the olfactory mucosa and of aroma precursors, of which the glycosides constitute an important class.

Extension of the growing season, compression of the annual growth cycle and higher frequency and severity of weather extreme events are consistent features of global warming. While mitigation of factors causing global warming is necessary in the medium-long term, wine growers need “ready to go” adaptation practices to counteract negative effects bound to climate change. This must be done in a sustainably way, meaning that remunerative yield, desired grape quality, low production cost and environment friendly solutions must be effectively merged. In this work, we will review contribution given over the last two decades prioritizing issues related to scion and rootstock choice, changes in vineyard floor management, new perception related to the use of irrigation in vineyards, adaptation practices aimed at decompress maturity, solutions to counteract or minimize damages due to late frost and sunburn and, lastly, some hints on how precision viticulture can help with all of this.

A 3-year zoning study promoted by the Cooperative Winery Valpolicella (Negrar, Verona, Italy) was carried out on a wine territory of about 500 ha.