Implementation of hyperspectral image analysis for evaluating table grape quality on bunch and berry level

Grapevine susceptibility to fungal diseases, including the vascular disease esca, is a major threat for wine productivity and vineyard perennity worldwide.

Climate change is leading to a rise in average temperature and in the frequency and severity of heatwaves, and is already significantly disturbing grapevine phenology and berry composition. With the evolution of the weather of Australian grape growing regions that are already warm and hot, flavonoids, for which biosynthesis depends on bunch microclimate, are expected to be impacted. These compounds include anthocyanins and tannins which contribute substantially to grape and wine quality. The goals of this project were to determine if berry tannin accumulation is sensitive to high temperature and to enhance knowledge on upper temperature limits for viable wine production, in turn informing critical timing for mitigation strategies.

Spring freeze events threaten grape production globally. As grape buds emerge from dormancy in spring, freezing temperatures have the potential to damage green tissues, decreasing yield potential and compromising fruit quality by harvest.

Malbec is Argentina’s flagship variety, and it is internationally recognized for producing high-quality red wines. Fruit set rate is a major component in grapevine yield determination, and it is the outcome of multiple genetic and environmental interacting variables. Here, we characterized the reproductive performance of 25 Malbec clones grown under homogeneous conditions in a 23-years old experimental plot. We measured traits near flowering (like the number of flowers per inflorescence) and at harvest (including the number of berries per cluster and berry weight), during two consecutive seasons (2022 and 2023).

This report examines product quality assurance issues arising when technological aids and food additives are utilized in winemaking.