Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Terroir effects on wine aromatic metabolomics in the eastern foot of Helan Mountain, Ningxia, China

Terroir effects on wine aromatic metabolomics in the eastern foot of Helan Mountain, Ningxia, China

Abstract

Aim: The eastern foot of Helan Mountain, Ningxia, China is one of the most important wine production regions in China and grape cultivation has spread in several sub-regions with different soils and cultivars. Large diversity in wine aromas have been observed at Ningxia region but which terroir factors drive those diversity in aromas remain to uncover. This study aims to investigate the impacts of grape varieties and soil chemical properties on wine aromas at Ningxia, in order to characterize the aromatic typicality of Ningxia wines and provide foundation for developing a ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ system. 

Methods and Results: Twenty-six representative wineries from 5 sub-regions of Ningxia were selected, and their vineyard soils were analysed at 20, 40, and 60 cm. Soil electric conductivity, organic carbon, available N, P, K, and total N, P, K, Na, Mg, Ca were quantified. Forty wines from those wineries made from cvs Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, etc were also sampled, and their aroma profiles were analysed with GC-MS. Wine aromas showed large diversity, and principal component analysis showed that the key discrimination factor was the variety. Wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot exhibited distinct aroma profile, while vineyard location only had minor discrimination contribution. Further analysis for each variety revealed that the wines from Cabernet Sauvignon had quite distinct aromas from different vineyard locations. Soil chemical properties showed clear differences between regions, particularly the quantity of total N, K, and Mg. Correlation network analysis further identified strong and interesting linkages between specific aroma compounds and soil chemical properties. 

Conclusions: 

Our study found both wine aroma and soil chemical properties showing large diversity at Ningxia region. Grape variety plays a key role in determining wine aroma, while vineyard location with different soils can finely tune wine aroma for a given variety. 

Significance and Impact of the Study: Our results established the interaction between soil properties and genotypes on wine aromas. It highlights the importance to consider the matching between grape variety and soil type for designing future geographic regulation of wine production in Ningxia.

Download the PDF

DOI:

Publication date: March 17, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type: Video

Authors

Zhanwu Dai1, Yangfu Kuang1, Xuenan Yao1, Huiqing Bai1, Shaohua Li1, Benhong Wu1*

1Beijing Key Laboratory of Grape Science and Enology and Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China

Contact the author

Keywords

Terroir, soil properties, wine aromas, Helan, Ningxia

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

The taste of color: how grape anthocyanin fractions affect in-mouth perceptions

Anthocyanins are responsible for the red wine color and their ability to condense with tannins is considered as a contributor in astringency reduction. However, recent studies showed the possibility of anthocyanins to influence directly the in-mouth perception of wines.

Read More

Terroir and sustainability: an analysis of brazilian vineyards from a territorial perspective

In the concept of sustainable viticulture proposed by the OIV, it can be noted that enhancing terroir is also one measure of sustainability. Thus, the territorial approach may offer an interesting viewpoint from which to consider this issue in a multi-perspective way.

Read More

Wine consumption in Ukraine: trends, socio-economic aspects, and public perception

This article explores the contemporary culture of wine consumption in Ukraine through the lens of social, economic, and cultural transformations triggered by European integration, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the full-scale war since 2022.

Read More

Regenerative agricultural approaches to improve ecosystem services in Mediterranean vineyards

REVINE is a 3 year European projected funded by PRIMA programme which proposes the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices with an innovative and original perspective, in order to improve the resilience of vineyards to climate change in the Mediterranean area. The potential for innovation lies in developing and combining new approaches that make agriculture more environmentally sustainable and enable a circular economy capable of improving farmers’ incomes. Primarily REVINE aims to improve soil health and biodiversity by promoting the multiplication of soil saprophytic microorganisms and the presence of useful microorganisms linked to the life cycle of the plant, such as rhizobacteria (PGPR) and fungi (PGPF) that promote plant growth which, in addition to increasing plant performance, increase tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Read More

Effect of different packaging materials on table grape quality preservation during cold storage

During cold storage, grapes undergo changes that affect their visual, mechanical, and organoleptic properties, potentially impacting quality and negatively influencing consumer acceptance. Key parameters include uniform color, crunchiness, and flesh consistency. We evaluated the influence of two distinct packaging methods on the chromatic characteristics, hardness, and pedicel detachment resistance of fourteen new seedless white and red grape varieties during cold storage. These factors are crucial for maintaining the quality of the product and extending its shelf-life. The novel grape varieties were obtained through a breeding program at CREA-VE of Turi, Southern Italy.

Read More