Viticulture at the reconquest of steep slopes: contribution of the 38 years of activity

Abstract

The GiESCO has produced within 38 years a contribution to the development of mountain Viticulture or steep slope Viticulture, concerning the environment, the techniques of canopy management, the social and economic aspects. The following works are summarized:

• Method of estimation of the quality potential (Carbonneau et al., 2007) with the adaptation of the Exposed Leaf Area model to steep slope situation (Carbonneau, 2005a);
• Taking in account the Vine architecture in the slope landscape (Carbonneau, 2005b);
• Prospection of wild grapes (Vitis vinifera silvestris) in the mountain refuge-zones, and characterization of the natural architecture (Carbonneau and Cargnello, 2003);
• Innovation of techniques of canopy management adapted to steep slope, such as in particular the ARPA group, the LYRA-ARPA group, the ARPA-LYS group in narrow terraces (Cargnello 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1998, 1998, 2003, 2008; Cargnello et autres 1995, 1998; Cargnello et Carbonneau 2007);
• Experimentation in different terroirs: in Italy in POA of the Valtellina – Sondrio (Cargnello, 1986), of the Prosecco of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene – Treviso (Cargnello 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1998, 1998, 2003, 2008; Cargnello et autres 1995, 1998; Cargnello et Carbonneau 2007); in Switzerland – Tessino (Murisier et al., 2005a,b et 2006a,b); in Portugal – Douro (Queiroz et al., 2008, 2009, 2011).