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…

Physiological and growth reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt to row orientation and soil water status

Advanced knowledge on grapevine row orientation is required to improve establishment, management and outcomes of vineyards on terroirs with different environmental conditions (climate, soil, topography) and in view of a future change to more extreme climatic conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of row orientation, plant water status and ripeness level on the physiological and viticultural reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt.

Effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California

San Joaquin Valley accounts for 40% of wine grape acreage and produces 70% of wine grape in California. Fruit quality is one of most important factors which impact the economical sustainability of farming wine grapes in this region. Due to the recent drought and expected labor cost increase, the wine industry is thrilled to understand how to improve fruit quality while maintaining the yield with less water and labor input. The present study aims to study the interactive effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on yield and berry compositions of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California.

The effects of cane girdling on berry texture properties and the concentration of some aroma compounds in three table grape cultivars

The marketability of the table grapes is highly influenced by the consumer demand; therefore the market value of the table grapes is mainly characterized by its berry size, colour, taste and texture. Girdling could cause accumulation of several components in plants above the ringing of the phloem including clusters and resulting improved maturity. The aim of the experiments was to examine the effect of girdling on berry texture characteristics and aroma concentration.

Application of a fluorescence-based method to evaluate the ripening process and quality of Pinot Blanc grape

The chemical composition of grape berries at harvest is one of the most important factors that should be considered to produce high quality wines. Among the different chemical classes which characterize the grape juice, the polyphenolic compound, such as flavonoids, contribute to the final taste and color of wines. Recently, an innovative non-destructive method, based on chlorophyll fluorescence, was developed to estimate the phenolic maturity of red grape varieties through the evaluation of anthocyanins accumulated in the berry skin. To date, only few data are available about the application of this method on white grape varieties.

Different yield regulation strategies in semi-minimal-pruned hedge (SMPH) and impact on bunch architecture

Yields in the novel viticulture training system Semi-Minimal-Pruned Hedge (SMPH) are generally higher compared to the traditional Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP). Excessive yields have a negative impact on the vine and wine quality, which can result in substantial losses in yield in subsequent vintages (alternate bearing) or penalties in fruit quality. Therefore yield regulation is essential. The bunch architecture in SMPH differs from VSP. Generally there is a higher amount but smaller bunches with lower single berry weights in SMPH compared to VSP.