Changes in the composition and extractability of flavonoids in Cabernet-Sauvignon: influence of site, climate and vine water status

Climate change will lead to persistent changes in temperature and precipitation patterns which will affect the characteristics of wine produced in each region.

Context and purpose of the study. Ráthay is an Austrian red quality wine variety with increased resistance to fungi.

Regionality, frequently called terroir, is often used to market wines from different locations. Savatiano (Vitis Vinifera L.), is the dominant indigenous variety of the Mesogeia – Attiki region, reaching a percentage of 70% of the total vine cultivation, and being the most widely planted variety in Greece. In this context, this research focuses on the evaluation of the impact of different terroirs within the PGI Attiki zone on the aromatic profile of Savatiano.

Prior to winemaking, organic or mineral nitrogen compound concentrations are usually measured in the vineyard and in grape musts. These indicators facilitate vine cultivation decisions, usually through yield or vigor. During vinification, yeast and bacteria metabolize nitrogen compounds in the musts in order to generate biomass. After fermentation, the microorganisms rerelease a part of this nitrogen as soluble compounds into the wines. Another part remains bound in the lees and can be lost during racking. The must’s natural nitrogen quantities, additional supplements during fermentation, and lees contact management enhance the release of nitrogen compounds to the wines. During ageing these nitrogen compounds – primarily the amino acids – are implicated in the generation of odorous compounds such as heterocycles(1).

La caractérisation des terroirs viticoles est traditionnellement basée sur des descripteurs de la géologie et de la pédologie des différents milieux rencontrés, couplées à des données climatiques