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.

Download the PDF

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…

Studying the redox state of wines under oxidative processes with a multi-parametric analysis

The detection of reducing compounds such as phenolic acids, anthocyanins or tannins is of prime importance to decipher on the antioxidant and anti-aging properties of wines.

Read More

Application of an in vitro digestion model to study the bioaccessibility and the effect of the intestinal microbiota on the red wine proanthocyanidins 

Proanthocyanidins are important phenolic fraction for wine quality, contributing to astringency, bitterness and color. Their metabolism begins in the mouth and continues throughout the gastrointestinal tract; however, most of them are accumulated in the colon where are metabolized by the intestinal microbiota, giving rise to a whole series of phenolic acids that may have greater activity at physiological level than the precursors[1]. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the bioaccessibility of proanthocyanidins in a red wine developed by Bodegas Pradorey, as well as to evaluate the potential effect of intestinal microbiota on polyphenols metabolism identifying and quantifying secondary metabolites.

Read More

Mechanical fruit zone leaf removal and deficit irrigation practices interact to affect yield and fruit quality of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in a hot climate

Cabernet Sauvignon is the top red wine cultivar in CA, however, the hot climate in Fresno is not ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly for berry color development. Fruit-zone leaf removal and irrigation were studied previously to have the significant effect on grape yield performance and berry quality. But the timing of leaf removal and the timing of irrigation are still inconclusive. Also, mechanical fruit-zone leaf removal is relatively new in CA. Our study aims to identify the interactive effect of mechanical fruit-zone leaf removal and irrigation on Cabernet Sauvignon’s yield performance and fruit quality and find the ideal timing of leaf removal and irrigation to maximize the berry color while maintaining the sustainable yield level.

Read More

Wine shaking during transportation: influence on the analytical and sensory parameters of wine

According to OIV reports, annual world wine consumption fluctuated around 240-245 mln hL over the past decade. The general market globalization has led to the situation when almost half of the consumed wine is exported to other countries. Of this volume, more than 60 mln hL are bottled still and sparkling wines.

Read More

Geologic and geomorphologic features applied for identification of wine terroir units by digital image processing, spectroradiometric and GIS techniques in Encruzilhada do Sul, RS, Brazil

Results in the characterization of a new wine terroir unit in south Brazil are reported. Presently, several areas in Brazil are being studied, in an effort to define new wine terroirs and improve the quality of Brazilian wines.

Read More