Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Canopy microclimate vineyard variability in vineyards of the Lodi region of California, USA

Canopy microclimate vineyard variability in vineyards of the Lodi region of California, USA

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this project was to evaluate the microclimatic effects on objective measures of fruit quality within different vigour classes of multiple vineyards and to compare the results across the Lodi region of California, USA.

Methods and Results: In May 2019, small temperature sensors were installed in the fruit zones of 10 vineyards in the Lodi region of California. To assess differences in canopy temperature between high and low vigour areas, three sensors were installed in each vineyard, two in the fruit zone (high and low vigor) and one above the canopy (ambient control). Photosynthetically active radiation in the fruit zone was measured at veraison and harvest on 15 vines surrounding each sensor and compared with the temperature data. At harvest, two randomly selected clusters were collected from each of the 15 data vines, combined into one composite sample per temperature sensor, and analysed for individual objective measures of grape quality. Results showed large differences in fruit composition between vigour zones. Daytime temperatures were higher in low vigour zones and canopy light measurements were correlated with anthocyanins (R2 = 0.59), polymeric tannins (R2 = 0.55), malic acid (R2 = 0.48), and linalool (R2 = 0.76).  

Conclusions: 

The results showed large differences in fruit quality within vineyards which implies delivery of heterogenous fruit to wineries. Excessive differences in fruit quality could be ameliorated with appropriate canopy management tools geared towards increasing vineyard uniformity. 

Significance and Impact of the Study: Delivery of reliable fruit to wineries by vineyard managers and consistent wines by winemakers is challenging when harvesting large vineyards into single programs. These risks are highlighted by the above results which also provide further evidence for the need of differential management solutions in wine grape production. 

Download the PDF

DOI:

Publication date: March 17, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type: Video

Authors

B. Sams1,2*, R. Bramley3, L. Sanchez2, C. Bioni2, N. Dokoozlian2, and V. Pagay1

1School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, Australia
2Department of Winegrowing Research, E&J Gallo Winery, Modesto, California, USA
3CSIRO, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, Australia

Contact the author

Keywords

Canopy microclimate, objective measures of fruit quality, vineyard variability

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

Immobilization of S. cerevisiae and O. œni for the control of wine fermentation steps

Controlling the speed of alcoholic (AF) and malolactic (MLF) fermentations in wine can be an important challenge for the production of certain short rotation wines for entry-level market segments. Immobilization techniques for Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Œnococcus œni, the microorganisms responsible for these fermentations, are widely studied for industrial applications. Indeed, these processes allow to accumulate biomass and thus to increase cell densities inducing high fermentation velocities. Recent works have shown the performance of MLF carried out with biofilms of O. œni, immobilized on various supports in a rich medium (MRSm: modified MRS broth with malic acid and fructose).

Read More

Solid Rectified Concentrated grape Must (SRCM) in sparkling wines production: studying the sensory impact of an innovative sugar substrate

The production of sparkling wines requires sugars for the second fermentation. The Solid Rectified Concentrated Must (SRCM) is a water free crystalline form of grape sugar, offering a purer, more stable, and easier-to-use alternative to the liquid Rectified Concentrated Must (RCM).

Read More

EMERGENCE OF INORGANIC PHOSPHONATE RESIDUES IN GRAPEVINE PLANT PARTS, BERRIES AND WINES FROM SOURCES OTHER THAN FOLIAR SPRAYING

Inorganic phosphonates are known to effectively support the control of grapevine downy mildew in vi- ticulture. Their application helps the plant to induce an earlier and more effective pathogen defense. However, inorganic phosphonates have been banned in organic viticulture due to their classification as plant protection products since October 2013. Despite the ban, phosphonate has been recently detected in organic wines.

Read More

Unraveling the role of grape cell wall in shaping the fermentation rate, the polyphenolic profile and quality of red wines from disease-resistant and drought-tolerant grapes in Occitanie varietal selection

Climate change and an evolving environmental and societal context call for the exploration of disease-resistant and/or drought-adapted grape varieties that meet the demands of consumers and society.

Read More

Redwine project: how to valorize CO2 and effluents from wineries in vineyards and winemaking with microalgae biomass

Global warming due to greenhouse gases (GHG) has become a serious worldwide concern. The new EU green deal aims to achieve GHG emissions reduction by at least 55% by 2030 and a climate neutral eu economy by 2050. The deal strongly encourages GHG reducing measures at local, national and european levels. The redwine project will demonstrate the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of reducing by, at least, 31% of the CO2 eq.

Read More