Terroir 2010 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Texas terroir: gis characterization of the texas high plains ava

Texas terroir: gis characterization of the texas high plains ava

Abstract

The Texas High Plains AVA is one of eight officially recognized wine regions in Texas, established in 1993. Six local wineries, including the second-largest in Texas, are supported by approximately 50 vineyards, which are also major suppliers of grapes to Texas wineries outside the region. The distinctive characteristics of the Texas High Plains AVA have contributed to the region’s reputation for producing medal-winning red wines with excellent color and good tannins, primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The large region (3.6 million ha) is known for its semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters, and very deep, well-drained soils. However, little detailed information is available on the spatial variability of growing conditions within the region. The Texas AVA GIS was constructed with datasets describing soils, elevation, topography, and climatic variables of significance to grape production for all 8 winegrowing regions in the state. Growing degree-days (GDD) and ripening period mean temperature (RPMT) in the Texas High Plains AVA decrease from southeast to northwest as elevation increases. The range of GDD is 2028 to 2653. RPMT ranges from 23.8-26.7oC in August and 19.9-22.6oC in September. Precipitation ranges from 41.4-63.7 cm, increasing from west to east. High solar radiation contributes to vine fruitfulness and color development in red wine grapes. Vineyards are predominantly planted on the reddish-brown, deep fine sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils (Amarillo, Patricia, and the related Brownfield series). Patricia soils predominate in the southern portion of the AVA; Amarillo is overall more common and found primarily in central areas of the region. An interactive website was created for public access to the GIS – the Winegrowing Regions of Texas [txwineregions.tamu.edu]. Such data will be critical for vineyard site selection and matching grape cultivars to site as the region’s wine industry continues to expand and experiment with warm-climate cultivars.

DOI:

Publication date: October 6, 2020

Issue: Terroir 2010

Type: Article

Authors

E.W. Hellman (1,2), E.A. Takow (3), M.D. Tchakerian (3), and R.N. Coulson (3)

(1) Texas A&M University, AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1102 East FM 1294, Lubbock, TX 79403 USA
(2) Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University
(3) Knowledge Engineering Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA

Contact the author

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2010

Citation

Related articles…

Infrared spectroscopy investigation of fresh grapevine organs for clustering and classification.

The spectral information acquired from fresh whole grapevine organs have yet to be fully explored. Infrared spectroscopy provides the means to rapidly measure fresh plant material and providing extensive information on the physical and chemical structure of samples.

The current state and prospects for the development of viticulture and winemaking in Greece

Viticulture in Greece is the oldest, but in recent years there has been a reduction of areas intended for the production of wine products. The article contains data on viticulture in Greece. Over time, the land of Greek vineyards is fluctuating. There is a trend towards a decrease in areas in connection with the quota of products from the EU.

Effect of foliar treatment of methyl jasmonate and nanoparticles doped with methyl jasmonate on Monastrell grape skin cell wall

The use of elicitors to promote the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in grapes has been tackled in several reports, however its study linked to nanotechnology is less developed.

“Gentle” sustainable extraction from whole berry by using resonance waves and slight over CO2 overpressure

The traditional methods of grape extraction of enochemical compounds use very often mechanical energy by pistons such as the pigeage or mechanical energy produced by must (delestage, pumping over). Recent trend by winemaker is trying to introduce in the fermentation tank, whole berry grape to avoid even minimal oxidation. Unfortunately, the use of the traditional mechanical techniques aforementioned, very often do not guarantee the optimal extraction with residual sugars in the marc. Use of resonance waves (airmixingtm) and a slight overpressure by CO2 (adcftm) permit to work on whole berry guaranteeing the perfect extraction.

Retrospective analysis of our knowledge regarding the genetics of relevant traits for rootstock breeding 

Rootstocks were the first sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy to cope with a major threat for Vitis vinifera cultivation. In addition to providing Phylloxera resistance, they play an important role in protecting against other soil-borne pests, such as nematodes, and in adapting V. vinifera to limiting abiotic conditions. Today viticulture has to adapt to ongoing climate change whilst simultaneously reducing its environmental impact. In this context, rootstocks are a central element in the development of agro-ecological practices that increase adaptive potential with low external inputs. Despite the apparent diversity of the Vitis genus, only few rootstock varieties are used worldwide and most of them have a very narrow genetic background. This means that there is considerable scope to breed new, improved rootstocks to adapt viticulture for the future.