New methods and technologies to describe the environment in terroir studies

AIM To determine the effect of both ripeness and enzyme maceration on the astringency and bitterness perception of Cabernet Sauvignon winesRecent work has contributed to a more detailed understanding of the grape cell wall deconstruction process from ripening through crushing and fermentation, providing a better understanding of what role polysaccharides play in post-harvest fermentation of grapes(1,2). Current research on glycomics in red wine making suggest polysaccharides are important sensory impact molecules (3–6). METHODSOur experimental system harvests Cabernet Sauvignon grapes at three different ripeness levels and makes wine both with and without enzyme treatment.

Context and purpose of the study. Climate change accelerates grapevine’s phenology, advancing harvests by 2–3 weeks over the past 40 years negatively affecting wine style due to a lack of acidity and too much alcohol.

A terroir can be defined as a natural unit that is characterised by a specific agricultural potential, which is imparted by natural environmental features, and is reflected in the characteristics of the final product.

Les approches du terroir en tant qu’entité géographique (zonages) connaissent un développement accru récent en lien avec l’essor des SIG. Les méthodes, les objectifs et les critères utilisés varient considérablement selon les études.

Climate change will require the adaptation of agricultural systems and among the different means of adaptation, changing plant material is a promising strategy. In viticulture, different levels of diversity are currently exploited: clonal and varietal diversity for rootstocks and scions. A huge quantity of research aims to evaluate different genotypes in different environmental conditions to identify which ones are the best adapted and the most tolerant to future environmental conditions.