Geological influences on terroir development

Bottle ageing is considered essential for most premium red wine production. An important aim of bottle ageing of wine is to achieve a balance between the oxidative and reductive development. This is typically evaluated by the accumulation of aldehyde compounds (causing oxidative off-flavour) and sulfur-containing compounds (causing reductive off-flavour) in the wine [1]

Bushfires are a common occurrence throughout Australia and their incidence is predicted to both rise and increase in severity due to climate change. Many of these bushfires occur in areas close to wine regions, which receive different levels of exposure to smoke. Wine produced from smoke-affected grapes are characterised by unpalatable smoky aromas such as “burning rubber”, “smoked meats” and “burnt wood”. These smoke tainted wines are unprofitable and result in significant financial losses for winegrowers.

wo spectrophotometric methods are recommended by the Organisation Internationale de la vigne et du vin (OIV). The first is the method after Glories, were the absorbances at 420 nm, 520 nm and 620 nm are measured (OIV 2006a).

Seven plots located in the commune of Montigny-lès-Arsures (Jura, 39), planted with grapevine varieties Trousseau and Savagnin, were chosen for a study of soil pits and a distribution of major and trace chemical elements in soils and wines. It was shown that the mineral matrix of the soil reflects the geological substratum and the sub-surface alteration process, while the organic soil matrix depends on agro-viticultural practices.

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTD) occur wherever grapes are grown and are considered the main biotic factor reducing yields and shortening vineyards’ lifespan. Currently, no product is available to eradicate GTD once grapevines are infected. Therefore, prophylactic strategies based on pruning wound protection and ‘remedial surgery’, the only eradication method based on the elimination of infected wood and renewal of the vine by means of new canes or suckers, are the only effective strategies available. The Canadian grape and wine industry focusses on a sustainable production and thus, looking for alternatives to chemicals for disease management is a top priority.