Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Greek and Cypriot grape varieties as a sustainable solution to mitigate climate change

Greek and Cypriot grape varieties as a sustainable solution to mitigate climate change

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this report is to present evidence on the potential of Greek and Cypriot grape varieties to serve as a sustainable solution to mitigate climate change.

Methods and Results: The work provides a review of recent works involving Greek and Cypriot varieties’ performance under high temperatures and increased dryness.

Conclusions: 

Climate change could threaten the existing balance between local environmental conditions and vitivinicultural production systems over the majority of wine producing areas. The subsequent decrease in the suitability of the current winemaking regions will require, apart from short-term adjustments in vineyard management, the adaptation of plant material by the use of late-ripening and drought resistant varieties and clones. Greek and Cypriot grape cultivars appear to grow well under dryland conditions, and additionally they mature their crop later than most of the well-established international varieties. However limited evidence exists regarding the direct effects of high daytime temperatures and drought especially on the quality of their grapes. This information would greatly assist grape growers in improving cultivar selection and adjusting management decisions.

Significance and Impact of the Study: Indigenous grapevine varieties of the semiarid viticultural regions of Greece and Cyprus have received much less attention compared to other grapes native to Mediterranean areas and therefore deserve to be better studied as a sustainable solution in the context of climate change. However, substituting existing varieties will change the “identity” of (mainly) European wine appellations, therefore the effectiveness of any strategy depends on both the willingness of grape growers and consumers to accept new varieties and also on the flexibility of current legislation.

DOI:

Publication date: March 25, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type: Video

Authors

Stefanos Koundouras*

School of Agriculture, Aristotle University, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece

Contact the author

Keywords

Plant material, grapevine, adaptation, temperature, drought

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

Influence of wood chips addition during alcoholic fermentation on wine phenolic composition

This study investigates the effect of wood chips addition during the alcoholic fermentation on the phenolic
composition of the produced wines. A series of wood chips, originating from American, French, Slavonia
oak and Acacia were added at the beginning of wine alcoholic fermentation. Besides, a mixture consisting
of 50% French and 50% Americal oak chips were added during the experimentation. The wine samples
were analyzed one month after the end of malolactic fermentation, examining various chemical
parameters such as total anthocyanins, total phenolic content, tannins combined with protein (BSA) and
ellagitannin content.

Exploring the impact of yeast derivatives on aromatic and sensory profiles of white and red wines: a multifactorial analysis

Specific inactivated yeast derivatives (SYDS) are obtained from s. cerevisiae yeasts by various processes (thermal, mechanical, and enzymatic) and have diverse oenological applications to improve wine quality. However, different impacts on wine sensory and aromas were reported, depending on syds types and fractions, wine matrices, and experimental settings. Few works have examined the impact of SYDS on aromas considering also those on wine macromolecules influencing organoleptic properties.

Predatory Arthropods associated with potential locally-adapted native insectary plants for Australian vineyards

Three locally-adapted native plants were evaluated to determine their capacity to provide insectary benefits to predatory arthropods in association with vineyards, and thereby to enhance biological control of insect pests. Native plants are preferred as supplementary flora, as they are naturally adapted to Australia’s climatic conditions.

An effective approach to mitigating ochratoxin A (OTA) levels in wine with minor impact on wine quality

OTA occurrence in wine is well-documented, with higher levels typically found in red (< 0.01-7.63 μg/l), followed by rose (0.01-2.40 μg/l) and white wine (<0.01-1.72 μg/l). Incidence rates are nOTAble, with studies showing OTA present in 53% of 521 red wines, 69% of 98 rose, and 61% of 301 white wines analysed. In europe, wine is estimated to be the second source of OTA intake after cereals. Since 2006, the maximum allowable limit for OTA in wine is 2 μg/l, according to regulation (ec) no. 1881/2006.

Premiers résultats d’une étude des caractéristiques analytiques et sensorielles de vins de Syrah selon leur terroir

A set of Syrah plots covering a wide range of terroirs distributed in the vineyards of the Rhone Valley and the Mediterranean South is examined through their oenological and sensory characteristics. The multidimensional analysis of data leads to the following groupings: (1) A group of unstructured wines with a simple aromatic profile dominated by fruity-floral notes; they come from plots where the ripening conditions have been disturbed by unfavorable climatic conditions, or an excess harvest.