Terroir 2014 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Terroir Conferences 9 Terroir 2014 9 Grape growing climates, climate variability 9 High resolution climatic zoning of the Portuguese viticultural regions

High resolution climatic zoning of the Portuguese viticultural regions

Abstract

Viticulture and winemaking represent a key sector for the Portuguese economy. As grapevines are strongly governed by atmospheric factors, climate change may impose a major threat to this crop. In this study, the current-past (1950-2000) and future (2041-2070) climatic conditions in Portugal are analyzed using a number of bioclimatic indices, including a new categorized index (CatI). A two-step method of spatial downscaling is applied in order to attain a very high spatial resolution (near 1 km) over Portuguese mainland. Future projections are established using an ensemble of 13 regional climate models, under the IPCC A1B-SRES emission scenario. Results show that CatI integrates the most important bioclimatic characteristics of a given region, and allows the direct comparison between them. Outcomes for the recent-past are in clear agreement with the current geographical distribution of this crop and of the established winemaking regions. Conversely, under future scenarios, projections point to a lower bioclimatic diversity, due to the expected warming and drying throughout the country. This will likely lead to changes in grapevine suitability and wine characteristics of each viticultural region, which may result in additional challenges for the winemaking sector. As such, suitable adaptation measures need to be developed in order to mitigate climate change impacts on the Portuguese viticulture. 

Download the PDF

DOI:

Publication date: August 11, 2020

Issue: Terroir 2014

Type: Article

Authors

Gregory V. JONES (1), Helder FRAGA (2), Aureliano C. MALHEIRO (2), José MOUTINHO-PEREIRA (2), Fernando ALVES (3), Joaquim G. PINTO (4,5), João A. SANTOS (2)

(1) Department of Environmental Studies, Southern Oregon University, Oregon, USA 
(2) CITAB, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal () 
(3) ADVID Associação para o Desenvolvimento da Viticultura Duriense, Godim, Portugal 
(4) Institute for Geophysics and Meteorology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany 
(5) Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom

Contact the author

Keywords

Viticultural zoning, Bioclimatic downscaling, Climate models, Climate change, Portugal 

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2014

Citation

Related articles…

Sensitivity of vis‐nir spectral indices to detect nitrogen deficiency and canopy function in cv. Barbera (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapevines

Precision nutrient management in viticulture can be addressed on the basis of a spatial characterization of within‐vineyard vine
Read More

VitiCanopy to measure vine pruning mass and assess above ground vineyard carbon storage

The wine industry is increasingly focused on carbon accounting due to consumer’s demand and the industry’s goal of reducing carbon emissions.

Read More

Enological characterization of mold resistant varieties grown in the Trentino Alpine Region

Among the different strategies used in vine growing to fight against mold diseases, it can be pointed out the hybridation of traditional grape varieties with others, presenting a genetic resistance to pathogen attack. The research in this field has been encouraged in recent years due to the increased concern about human safety and environmental pollution linked to the use of agrochemicals. This approach allows to limit the number of treatments and the type of active compounds used in vine management. The environment determines the pressure degree of the diseases on vines and the biologic response of the plant to their attack.

Read More

AOC Saint-Romain, Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune, Burgundy: analysis of a “terroir”

The abbreviation AOC designates, since 1905 in France, wines which characteristics and reputation are due to a proper “terroir”. The delimitation of such “terroirs” consists in a technical and statutory procedure which has developed by steps.

Read More

Does the sustainability perception depend on the Terroir?

The main scope of this research has been to investigate what values are attributed to the concept of “sustainability” by the wine producers of two different wine territories of Piedmont; the terroir of the Barolo DOCG and the the terroir of the Gavi DOCG. The research wants to emphasize how much the characteristic elements of each terroir influence the perception of the concept of sustainability among producers.

Read More