Grape variety identification and detection of terroir effects from satellite images

Úbeda-Aguilera, C a, b, Peña-Neira, A.b Del Barrio-Galán, R.b, c a Biomedical Sciences Institute, Science Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Chile. b Department of Agro-Industry and Enology, Faculty of Agronomical Sciences, University of Chile, Post Office Box 1004, Santa Rosa 11315, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile c Lallemand Inc. Chile y Compañía Limitada, Rosario Norte 407, piso 6, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile The wine is a complex matrix made up of several compounds which can interact among themselves throughout the wine ageing process, thereby modifying their sensorial characteristics. It is well known that during ageing of wines on lees, polysaccharides (mainly mannoproteins) can be released and can interact with the aromatic fraction modifying its volatility.

To alter the vineyard microclimate and produce quality wine under a semi-arid climate, black geotextile inter-row mulch (M) was applied for two vintages (2016-2017). The grapes were sampled at three growing stages to conduct the untargeted metabolome and transcriptome analysis. The upregulated genes related to photosynthesis and heat shock proteins confirmed that M weakened the total light exposure and grapes suffered severe heat stress, resulting in lower sugar and higher acids at harvest. The integration of metabolome and transcriptome analysis identified the key genes responsible for the enhancements in phenylalanine, glutamine, ornithine, arginine, and C6 alcohol concentrations, and the downward trend in ε-viniferin, anthocyanins, flavonols, terpenes and norisoprenoids concentrations in M grapes.

Innovative solutions have been developed for winemakers to adopt in their cultivation practices [1]. Two of the implementations addressed in this study are the use of strains adapted to arid climates (AAC) and the use of varieties resistant to fungal diseases (PIWIs).

The implications of perennial cover crop management on vine vigor and yield have been well documented. However, whereas multiple studies show that cover crop management affects grapevine dry matter production, water, and nutrient status, the specific effects of a new hybrid perennial cover crop on soil temperature and its relationship to vine water status in vineyards has not been explored. This study will compare 3 different perennial cover crop combinations and tillage practices with a no-till seeding of a new hybrid perennial, Poa bulbosa (Pb).

Context and purpose of the study – Viticulture faces significant challenges due to climate change, with increased frequency of extreme weather events impacting grapevine growth, grape quality, and wine production.