Terroir 2016 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Microclimatic differences in fruit zone of vineyards on different elevations of ‘nagy-eged hill’ in eger wine region, Hungary

Microclimatic differences in fruit zone of vineyards on different elevations of ‘nagy-eged hill’ in eger wine region, Hungary

Abstract

The Bull’s Blood of Eger (‘Egri Bikavér’) is one of the most reputed red wines in Hungary and abroad, produced in the Northeastern part of the country. It is known as a ruby blended, full bodied red wine with fruity and aged character. Vitis vinifera L. Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) is the base component of the ‘Egri Bikavér’, beside it is the most abundant red grape cultivar of the region and of Hungary. It is grown in many vineyards along the wine region resulting in different wine quality and style depending on slope, elevation, aspect, soil and microclimatic conditions.

Several attempts using GIS technics have been made recently to characterize the most important growing sites in the wine region concerning topographical, soil and climatic conditions. Data of automatic meteorological weather stations located in the vineyards, E-OBS gridded database and the PRECIS regional climate model was also used to better understand the suitability of the vineyards for Kékfrankos quality wine production.

In the present study, we described with a fine scale measurement the fruit zone microclimate (temperature, relative humidity) in three vineyards differing in their elevation on the emblematic ‘Nagy-Eged hill with EasyLog EL USB-2+ temperature and humidity sensors (Lascar Electronics, UK). The elevation of Nagy-Eged hill lower part [NEL] is 294 m, Nagy-Eged hill middle [NEM] is 332 m and Nagy-Eged hill top [NET] is 482 m above sea level. Measurements were taken in 2015 July-October. Mathematical calculation of multiple comparison, i.e. Marascuillo’s procedure was used to distinguish microclimatic differences among different elevations. Day and night time data were separately analyzed.

Concerning the temperature data of Nagy-Eged Hill, we may suppose that the effect of a thermal belt was the principal factor influencing fruit zone temperature, since the warmest area (especially at night) was the middle part of the hill, although the upper part is far steeper, therefore it could receive more solar radiant heat than the others. Soil is richer in gravels, stones on the top of the hill and in the middle part, but the re-radiation heating effect did not exceed that of thermal belt.
Due to the moving of cooler air masses towards the lower part of a valley and the lower wind speed, the air surrounding the vines gets more humid in most part of the growing season. The advantage of dryer air conditions in the middle and top positions of the hill may be benefited by using environmental friendly cultivation technology with less pesticides.
Climate change is a challenge at the Nagy-Eged Hill not only for temperature increase and water shortage, but also for heavy, irregular precipitation that results in serious erosion problem.

DOI:

Publication date: June 23, 2020

Issue: Terroir 2016

Type: Article

Authors

Borbála BÁLO (1), Márta LADÁNYI (2), Nikoletta SZOBONYA (1), Péter BODOR (1),Tamás DEÁK, György Dénes BISZTRAY (1)

(1) Department of Viticulture, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
(2) Department of Biometrics and Agricultural Informatics, Szent István University,Budapest, Hungary

Contact the author

Keywords

terroir, slope, fruit zone, temperature, humidity, thermal belt

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2016

Citation

Related articles…

The effects of alternative herbicide free cover cropping systems on soil health, vine performance, berry quality and vineyard biodiversity in a climate change scenario in Switzerland

There is an urgent need in viticulture to adopt alternative herbicide-free soil management strategies to mitigate climate change, increase biodiversity, reduce plant protection products and improve soil quality while minimizing detrimental effects on grapevine’s stress tolerance and fruit quality. To propose sustainable solutions, adapted to different pedoclimatic conditions in Switzerland, we developed a multidisciplinary 4-year project, started in 2020. Objectives of the project are to a) evaluate the impact of green covers (spontaneous flora, winter cover crop and permanent ground cover) on environmental and agronomic parameters and b) develop subsequently innovative strategies for different viticultural contexts of Switzerland. The project is divided into 3 phases: 1) diagnosis, 2) on-farm and 3) on-station experiments. Phase 1) consisted in an assessment of 30 commercial vineyards all over Switzerland, where growers already use different herbicide-free soil management strategies. The most promising practices identified in this exploratory phase will be replicated in commercial vineyards across Switzerland (“on-farm”) as well as in a classical randomized block design in an experimental plot (“on-station”). For phase 1), measurements consisted in evaluation of soil status (compaction, structure, roots development), soil microbial diversity (metagenomics), plant diversity and biomass, vine physiology (water stress, vigor, leaf nitrogen) and berry quality (acidity, sugar, available nitrogen). Interestingly, the permanent ground cover resulted in a higher Shannon index thus a higher biodiversity as compared to the other itineraries. The winter cover crop increased vine nitrogen and vigor while deteriorating soil quality, leaving the soil more exposed and compacted likely due to more frequent tillage. The spontaneous flora led to higher berry sugar accumulation, less nitrogen and higher malic acid concentration putatively due to a higher water retention of the flora in a particularly wet vintage. Phases 2) and 3) are required to confirm those tendencies, over the 3 next vintages and different climatic conditions.

UNCOVERING THE ROLE OF BERRY MATURITY STAGE AND GRAPE GENOTYPE ON WINE CHARACTERISTICS: INSIGHTS FROM CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND VOLATILE COMPOUNDS ANALYSIS

In a climate change context and aiming for sustainable, high-quality Bordeaux wine production, this project examines the impact of grape maturity levels in various cultivars chosen for their adaptability, genetic diversity, and potential to enhance wine quality. The study explores the effects on wine compo-sition and quality through sensory and molecular methods. We studied eight 14-year-old Vitis vinifera cv. grape varieties from the same area (VITADAPT plots 1 and 5): Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Castets, Cot, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Touriga Nacional.

Considerations about the concept of “terroir”: definition and research direction

On exposera la distinction et la relation entre: “Etude des milieux”, “Zonage Petit ou Zonage Technique ou Sub Zonage”, “Grand Zonage”, “Délimitation des zones productives” ex.

Evaluation of viticultural suitability of Arezzo Province (Tuscany)

Dans une région comme la Toscane, zone dans laquelle sont produits certains des meilleurs vins italiens et du monde, la province d’Arezzo a actuellement une importance relativement marginale

Review of the delimited zone of the AOC Saint-Joseph

L’appellation d’origine contrôlée repose sur une définition précise de l’aire de production du raisin. Cette délimitation définie par l’Institut National des Appellations d’Origine est proposée par des experts choisis pour leurs compétences dans le domaine de la connaissance de la relation terroir – vins, après avis du syndicat de défense de chaque AOC.