Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N) as a tool to trace the major nitrogen source in vineyards

Nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N) as a tool to trace the major nitrogen source in vineyards

Abstract

Aim: to elucidate if it is possible to detect variations in the source of nitrogen (organic vs. inorganic) measuring nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N) in berries and to examine the degree of variation occurring for this parameter naturally within a vineyard.

Methods and Results: two nitrogen fertilization strategies based on the use of organic and inorganic nitrogen sources were compared through four consecutive seasons in a vineyard, and berry δ15N was measured at harvest. The source of nitrogen affected remarkably nitrogen isotope ratio, as samples from organically fertilized vines always showed higher δ15N values. Additionally, variations in berry δ15N were measured during two seasons in a 60-node sampling grid in a 4.2 ha vineyard, showing that a wide range of variation existed for δ15N within the vineyard, and that its values followed a structured pattern that was in accordance with variations in altitude, being lower in the highest parts of the field.

Conclusions:

The source of nitrogen (organic vs. inorganic) affects berry δ15N. Nevertheless, the degree of variation observed naturally within a single field is very relevant, and associated to variations in altitude. 

Significance and Impact of the Study: this is the first study that, to our knowledge, demonstrates a direct relationship between nitrogen source and nitrogen isotope ratio in grapevines, and opens the door to its use in grapevine nutrition and terroir studies.

DOI:

Publication date: March 25, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type : Video

Authors

Luis G. Santesteban1*, Maite Loidi1, Inés Urretavizcaya2, Oihane Oneka1, Diana Marín1, Ana Villa1, Blanca Mayor1, Sara Crespo1, Jorge Urrestarazu1, Carlos Miranda1, F. Javier Abad1, 2, José B. Royo1

1Dept. of Agronomy, Biotechnology and Food Science, Univ. Pública de Navarra- UPNA, Campus Arrosadia, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
2Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB-CSIC), Avenida Pamplona 123, 31192, Mutilva Baja, Spain
3INTIA, Edificio de Peritos Avda. Serapio Huici nº 22, 31610, Villava, Spain

Contact the author

Keywords

Nitrogen, fertilization, organic, inorganic, Vitis vinifera L.

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

Geological history and landscape of the Coastal wine-growing region, South Africa

The geology of the Western Cape testifies to the former existence of a late Precambrian supercontinent, its fragmentation, the closure of an ocean between the South African and South American continental precursors (Kalahari and Rio de la Plata cratons), the accumulation of marine sediments and limestones, and their compression during a collision between these cratons

Impact of tomato black ring virus (TBRV) on quantitative and qualitative feature of Vitis vinifera L. Cv. Merlot and Cabernet franc

Fifteen nepoviruses are able to induce fanleaf degeneration in grapes. Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is the main causal agent of this disease

Determination of selected phenolics, carotenoids and norisoprenoids in Riesling grapes after treatment against sunburn damage

Riesling represents the most widely cultivated grape variety in Germany and is therefore of particular economic interest. During recent years an increase in the petrol-note as well as in undesirable bitter and adstringent notes has been reported. These changes are most likely linked to increasing temperature and sunlight exposure of grapes due to climate changes.
The “petrol note” is caused by the formation of the C13-norisoprenoid 1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalin (TDN), which originates from acid-labile precursors formed by the carotenoid degradation in the grape.

Differences in the chemical composition and “fruity” aromas of Auxerrois sparkling wines from the use of cane and beet sugar during wine production.

The main objective of this study was to establish if beet sugar produces a different concentration of “fruity” volatile aroma compounds (VOCs), compared to cane sugar when used for second alcoholic fermentation of Auxerrois sparkling wines. Auxerrois base wine from the 2020 vintage was separated into two lots; half was fermented with cane sugar and half with beet sugar (both sucrose products and tested for sugar purity). These sugars were used in yeast acclimation (IOC 2007), and base wines for the second fermentation (12 bottles each). Base wines were manually bottled at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) research winery. The standard chemical analysis took place at intervals of 0, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks post-bottling. Acidity and pH measurements were carried out by an auto-titrator. Residual Sugar (g/L) (glucose (g/L), fructose (g/L)), YAN (mg N/L), malic acid, and acetic acid (g/L) were analyzed by Megazyme assay kits. parameters were analyzed by Megazyme assay kits. Alcohol (% v/v) was assessed by GC-FID. VOC analysis of base wines, finished sparkling wines, as well as the two sugars in model sparkling wine solutions, was carried out by GC-MS. VOCs included ethyl octanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl butanoate, ethyl decanoate, ethyl-2-methylbutyrate, ethyl-3-methylbutyrate, ethyl 2-methyl propanoate, ethyl 2- hydroxy propanoate, 1-hexanol, 2-phenylethan-1-ol, ethyl acetate, hexyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and 2-phenylethyl acetate.

Exploring the effect of oxygen exposure during malolactic fermentation on red wine color

this research investigates the impact of early oxygen exposure, also during malolactic fermentation (MLF), on pigments and color of a red wine from Sangiovese grapes