Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Terroir Conferences 9 Terroir 2020 9 History and innovation of terroir 9 Recent advancements in understanding the terroir effect on aromas in grapes and wines

Recent advancements in understanding the terroir effect on aromas in grapes and wines

Abstract

OENO One – Special issue

Terroir is about the link between wine and its origin. It has long been understood by sensory evaluation that the taste of wine from a given variety can be related to its origins. Specific organoleptic characteristics of wine are influenced by environmental factors such as soil and climate. By deconstructing the effect of measurable soil and climate parameters on grape and wine aroma compounds, the terroir effect on wine typicity can be better understood. Climate influences on vine development and grape ripening are mainly associated with temperature, radiation and rainfall, while soil influences are primarily associated with water availability and nitrogen supply. Significant advances have been made over recent years in understanding wine aromas and their molecular basis and influences of climate and soil on a wide range of molecules responsible for wine aroma expression. This article aims to review these recent research advances to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of how terroir influences wine typicity. The effect of terroir on wine quality and typicity is sometimes considered intangible and difficult to explain on a scientific basis. By combining agronomic, analytical and sensory approaches, however, this review shows that the terroir effect is mediated by measurable factors that can easily be monitored in the vineyard. Assessment of the results compiled by this review allows the suggestion that terroir expression at specific sites might be maximized by choosing appropriate plant material in relation to soil and climate, by acting on manageable parameters like vine water and nitrogen status, or by implementing canopy management to modify microclimate in the bunch zone.

DOI:

Publication date: March 19, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type: Video

Authors

Cornelis van Leeuwen1*, Jean-Christophe Barbe2, Philippe Darriet2, Olivier Geffroy3, Eric Gomès1, Sabine Guillaumie1, Pierre Helwi4, Justine Laboyrie2, Georgia Lytra2, Nicolas Le Menn2, Stéphanie Marchand2, Magali Picard2,5, Alexandre Pons2,6, Armin Schüttler2,7 and Cécile Thibon2

1EGFV, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Inrae, ISVV, 33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
2Unité de Recherche OEnologie, EA 4577, USC 1366 INRA, ISVV, Université de Bordeaux, 33882 Villenave d’Ornon France
3PPGV, Université de Toulouse, INP-PURPAN, 75 voie du TOEC, F-31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
4Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, TAMU, Lubbock 79403, Texas, United States
5Demptos Research Center, CESAMO, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires, Univ. Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Libération, F-33405 Talence, France
6Tonnellerie Seguin-Moreau, ZI Merpins, 16103 Cognac
7Hochschule Geisenheim Unversity, Von-Lade-Strasse 1, 65366 Geisenheim, Germany

Contact the author

Keywords

Terroir soil climate temperature radiation water balance nitrogenvine wine aroma typicity

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

Approaches for estimating the age of old vineyards in Campo de Borja

Determining the age of a vineyard is essential for understanding its influence on wine quality and characteristics.

Bioprotection and oenological tannins association to protect Rosé wine color

The bioprotection of musts or grapes is a strategy for limiting sulfiting during winemaking and more specifically at pre-fermentative step. The most preconized yeasts in bioprotection mainly belong to Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Torulaspora delbrueckii species. While previous studies have demonstrated that bioprotectant non-Saccharomyces strains were able to protect musts and wines against microbial spoilage as well as sulfites, they cannot protect must against oxidation which appears to be the main limit of this practice.

CONTRIBUTION OF VOLATILE THIOLS TO THE AROMA OF RIESLING WINES FROM THREE REGIONS IN GERMANY AND FRANCE (RHEINGAU, MOSEL, AND ALSACE)

Riesling wines are appreciated for their diverse aromas, ranging from the fruity fresh characters in young vintages to the fragrant empyreumatic notes developed with aging. Wine tasters often refer to Riesling wines as prime examples showcasing terroir, with their typical aroma profiles reflecting the geographical provenance of the wine. However, the molecular basis of the distinctive aromas of these varietal wines from major Riesling producing regions in Europe have not been fully elucidated. In this study, new lights were shed on the chemical characterization and the sensory contribution of volatile thiols to Riesling wines from Rheingau, Mosel, and Alsace. First, Riesling wines (n = 46) from the three regions were collected and assessed for their aroma typicality by an expert panel.

Different yield regulation strategies in semi-minimal-pruned hedge (SMPH) and impact on bunch architecture

Yields in the novel viticulture training system Semi-Minimal-Pruned Hedge (SMPH) are generally higher compared to the traditional Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP). Excessive yields have a negative impact on the vine and wine quality, which can result in substantial losses in yield in subsequent vintages (alternate bearing) or penalties in fruit quality. Therefore yield regulation is essential. The bunch architecture in SMPH differs from VSP. Generally there is a higher amount but smaller bunches with lower single berry weights in SMPH compared to VSP.

Effect of pre-fermentative strategies on the polysaccharide composition of must and white wines

Among the macromolecules of enological interest in white wines, much attention has been paid to polysaccharides.