ECA&D: A high-resolution dataset for monitoring climate change and effects on viticulture in Europe

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an effective and comprehensive method for evaluating the environmental impact of a product, considering its entire life cycle. In the context of wine production, although the use of lca is gaining ground in viticulture, its application is still limited to the fine assessment of winemaking processes.

Following its approval in 2013 by Agroscope, Divico became the first interspecific grape variety in Switzerland with high resistance to downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and grey rot (Botrytis cinerea), and medium resistance to powdery mildew (Uncinula nectator). Extremely riche in color, Divico grapes showed great enological potential to different styles of wine. Quickly, many wine growers were interested in planting this promising variety. Many of its potential are to be explored in the coming years.

Resistance to phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) is the most important trait in grapevine rootstock breeding. Up to now, there are eight quantitative trait loci (QTL) described mediating resistance on roots or leaves. In order to understand the genetic basis of one of these genetic loci, the genome of the resistance donor ‘Börner’ was sequenced and the genomic region of the Rdv1 locus analyzed.

Monferrato is a sub region of Piedmont featuring an endless series of hills which have been moulded through the centuries by laborious farming. Vineyards have always been the protagonists of Monferrato landscape. Asti vineyards have been well-known since Roman times and Pliny the Elder mentions them.

In recent years, resistant varieties have returned to the attention of the wine sector as a response to climate change and the reduction of pesticides in grapevine management, which is the main culprit of pesticide use in European agriculture. In this context, the production of sparkling wines could be strongly influenced due to its requirements for a particular balance between sugars and acidity, and the necessity of sound grapes to ensure wine quality. However, these parameters are not the only ones that define the suitability of a grape variety to produce sparkling wine.