Characterization of phenolics and VOCs in wines obtained from Malbec vineyards of the Uco Valley submitted to high-altitude solar UV-B and water restriction

When grapevine plants are transplanted into already established vineyards, they face multiple challenges, including adverse climate, heavy metal accumulation from agronomic practices [1], and pressure from highly adapted pathogens [2].

Pest biocontrol strategies are gaining attention as eco-friendly alternatives to the use of synthetic pesticides, including in viticulture.

During postharvest management, the metabolism of fruits remains active and continuous physico-chemical changes occur. Ozone treatment has an elicitor effect on secondary metabolites and the treatment conditions can influence the grape response to the stress (Bellincontro et al., 2017; Botondi et al., 2015). Regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs), previous studies showed that ozone treatment during postharvest dehydration induces the biosynthesis of terpenes in Moscato bianco grapes (Río Segade et al., 2017). It is well known that grape VOCs greatly influence the organoleptic properties of wines, particularly terpenes in aromatic varieties.

Climate change is having a significant impact on the wine industry through more regular drought conditions, fires, and heat events, leading to crop loss. Furthermore, these events can reduce overall quality of the fruit, even when crop yields are not impacted. Anthocyanins are considered one of the most important classes of compounds for red wine production and are known to be sensitive to vine water status and heat events.

The chemical composition and the sensory characteristics of wine result from dynamic interactions between several factors including grape variety, soil, viticultural techniques, climate conditions, yeasts metabolism, oenological approaches. Recently, Grigg et al.