New methods and technologies to describe the environment in terroir studies

In many vineyards optimal parcel size exceeds the geospatial complexity that exists in soils and topographic features that influence hydrological properties, sunlight interception and soil depth and texture (available water capacity).

Increasing water scarcity and unpredictable rainfall patterns necessitate efficient water management in grape production. This study proposes a novel approach for monitoring grapevine water status in a commercial vertically-shoot-positioned Vitis vinifera L. Tempranillo vineyard using non-invasive spectroscopy with a battery of different AI methods to assess vineyard water status, that could drive precise irrigation. A contactless, miniature NIR spectrometer (900-1900 nm) mounted on a moving vehicle (3 Km/h) was employed to collect spectral data from the vines’ northeast side along six dates in season 2021.

The spatial variability in soil type and depth and water holding capacity is very high in many viticultural regions of the world. Differences in rooting depths and water extraction profiles and their seasonal dynamics add additional variability and it is extremely difficult to deduct direct causal relationships between these factors and fruit

AIM Astringency is described as a ‘dry puckering‐like sensation’ following consumption of tannins1 that affect consumer preference of foods and beverages, including red wine2. To improve the understanding of astringency, which is a complex interaction due to multiple mechanisms occurring simultaneously, further studies are needed. In this view, oral tribology is considered a useful technique for beverage study to evaluate the thin-film lubrication properties of saliva resulting in oral friction‐related sensations3. The aim of this study was to examine the film behavior of selected protein-based fluids under controlled friction conditions, to understand polyphenol-protein interactions involved in the sensation of astringency.

Mediterranean vineyards have been traditionally grown under rainfed conditions, but in recent decades the irrigated area has increased significantly, seeking to minimize the adverse effects of severe water stress on grape quality and yield. Given the large area occupied by vineyards, and the increasing scarcity of water resources, it is necessary to develop strategies for the optimization and efficient use of water to reduce the risk of its overexploitation. The present study aims at valorizing previous knowledge generated in different research projects by means of a meta-analysis of the effects of water status management on vineyard performance.