Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Geological, mineralogical and geochemical influences on the cultivation of vines

Geological, mineralogical and geochemical influences on the cultivation of vines

Abstract

Aims: The aims of this study are to determine the influences of the local geology, mineralogy and geochemistry of surroundings, substrate and soil on the cultivation of vines, these as an additional factor of specificity and locality in the production of wine and definition of terroir, as well as for the discrimination of local variance of substrate and soil properties for the strategic management of cultivation plots and/or the evaluation of new cultivation regions, necessary within a scope of global climate change.

Methods and Results: Four vineyards in central Chile were selected for multiple scale geological, geomorphological, mineralogical, geochemical and landscape evolution studies. These included regional to local scale geological and geomorphological mapping, hydrological and hydrogeochemical characterization, and mineralogical, geochemical and physicochemical studies of soil-substrate profiles within contrasting cultivation plots of the selected vineyards. Selection of vineyards included two along the coastal cordillera of Central Chile (Casablanca and San Antonio valleys: sp. Pinot noir), and two along the central depression valleys of south Central Chile (Santa Cruz and San Javier valleys: sp. Carmenere). In addition to soil and substrate studies, analysis of berries and juice were carried out, in order to contrast local plot geochemistry to the chemical properties of berries, and therefore the local influence of substrate/soil properties on production. Results determine that the local geological and geomorphological conditions clearly influence the distribution of substrate-soil and water composition, texture, permeability, and physicochemical properties, influencing equilibrium of pH, Eh and chemical composition of substrate/soil/water/plant interaction, having contrasting effects on the chemistry and properties of berries and juice.

Conclusions: 

Despite a long-standing debate on the influence of geology on the cultivation of vines and how these could affect the quality of wines, results demonstrate that at least local geological and geochemical site conditions do affect the physicochemical and chemical properties of the substrate/soil interface, therefore impacting the availability of natural nutrients, the physicochemical properties of soils (pH/Eh), the chemistry of water, and permeability and texture. Variance of these properties on a local vineyard scale, even at a plot scale, influence vine growth conditions, with an impact on berries and juice, hence, defining properties which may be regionally unique. Discrimination of unique conditions may allow determination of land plot selection criteria, be it for local selection of production plots, or for the evaluation and selection of new cultivation land, especially necessary in times of global climate change.

Significance and Impact of the Study: Chile, a world prime wine producer, must adapt to climate change. At present the production of premium wines is geographically well defined, the prime vine cultivation valleys classified on the base of climate and viticulture conditions, not taking into account the local geological and geomorphological characteristics. Characterization of these conditions further south, in regions that will soon be apt for vine cultivation, is highly relevant in order to ensure new production areas will be similar.

DOI:

Publication date: March 16, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type: Video

Authors

Brian Townley*, Pamela Castillo, Sofia Lopez

University of Chile, Santiago, Chile

Contact the author

Keywords

Geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, climate change, adaptation

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

Impact of varying ethanol and carbonation levels on the odor threshold of 1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphtalene (petrol off-flavor) and role of berry size and Riesling clones

1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphtelene (TDN) evokes the odor of “petrol” in wine, especially in the variety Riesling. Increasing UV-radiation due to climate change intensifies formation of carotenoids in the berry skins and an increase of TDN-precursors1. Exploring new viticultural and oenological strategies to limit TDN formation in the future requires precise knowledge of TDN thresholds in different matrices. Thresholds reported in the literature vary substantially between 2 µg/L up to 20 µg/L2,3,4 due to the use of different methods. As Riesling grapes are used for very different wine styles such as dry, sweet or sparkling wines, it is essential to study the impact of varying ethanol and carbonation levels.

Screening of Italian red wines for quercetin precipitation risk index

Quercetin (Q), a phenolic compound released from grape skins during red wine maceration, has been identified as a source of instability in bottled wines, particularly Sangiovese, due to crystallisation. This phenomenon represents an economic challenge for producers and affects wine clarity and consumer perception.

“Garrigues”, part of the mediterranean vine terroirs

Les paysages viticoles méditerranéens présentent une originalité qui ne se retrouve nulle part ailleurs : ils associent des garrigues très odoriférantes à des parcelles de vignes souvent qualitatives. La connaissance empirique des vins du Languedoc par leurs dégustateurs a conduit la Chambre d’Agriculture de l’Hérault à supposer que les arômes de la garrigue environnante peuvent se retrouver dans les vins (arômes de ciste, de genévrier, … )

White grape must processed by UHPH as an alternative to SO2 addition: Effect on the phenolic composition in three varieties

The quantity and distribution of polyphenols in musts play a fundamental role in the white winemaking. This is because these substances are exposed to oxidation reactions, which are catalysed by the polyphenol oxidase (PPO), leading to a decrease in the quality of the wines produced. PPO is inactivated by SO2, but currently, due to the restrictions of the legislation, other methodologies are being investigated. Ultra-High Pressure Homogenization (UHPH) is a non-thermal physic technology that exerts an ultrahigh pressure pumping (>200 MPa) of a fluid through a valve in a continuous system.

Rootstock impact on foliar symptom expression of esca on Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet-Sauvignon

Trunk diseases and esca in particular, represent a major threat to the sustainability of the vineyards. The percentages of unproductive vines in a plot could vary from 4% to over 20 % depending on local conditions and vintages.