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…

Effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on grape composition in Monastrell grapevines under semiarid conditions

The influence of two pre-veraison and post-veraison regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies on yield and grape quality was analyzed during a two year period for mature grapevines (cv. Monastrell) in Southeastern of Spain
Read More

Phenotyping bud break and trafficking of dormant buds from grafted vine

In grapevine, phenology from bud break to berry maturation, depends on temperature and water availability. Increases in average temperatures accelerates initiation of bud break, exposing newly formed shoots to detrimental environmental stresses. It is therefore essential to identify genotypes that could delay phenology in order to adapt to the environment. The use of different rootstocks has been applied to change scion’s characteristics, to adapt and resist to abiotic and biotic stresses[1].

Read More

Evaluation of the impact of different amelioration techniques on the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of smoke impacted wines

AIM: The increasing incidences of wildfires in wine grape growing regions pose a significant risk. Persistent exposure to smoke can compromise the quality and value of wine grapes and adversely affect wines made from smoke exposed grapes.

Read More

NIR spectroscopy as a contacless rapid tool to estimate the amino acids profile in intact grape berries

Nitrogen composition of grape berries plays a key role in determining wine quality, affecting the development of alcoholic fermentation and the formation of volatile compounds. Grape nitrogen composition is influenced by several factors such as viticultural practices, soil management, timing or rate of fertilization and use of rootstock, among others.In this study a proximal, non-destructive tool based on NIR spectroscopy is presented to track the accumulation of a wide range of amino acids in intact grape berries during the ripening process.

Read More

Defining the terroir of the Columbia gorge wine region, Oregon and Washington, USA using geographic information systems (GIS)

The Columbia Gorge Wine Region (CGWR) extends for about 100km along the Columbia River and includes the Columbia Gorge American Viticultural Area (AVA) and the southwest portion of the Columbia Valley AVA.

Read More