Terroir or Tūrangawaewae? Expressing sense of place in an emerging New Zealand wine region

The root and shoot abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation in response to water deficit and its relation with stomatal conductance is longtime known in grapevine. ABA-dependent and ABA-independent signalling response to osmotic stress coexist in sessile plants. In grapevine, the signaling role of ABA in response to water stress conditions and its influence on berry quality is critical to manage grapevine acclimation to climate change.

Most vineyards are grafted and include a variety (Vitis vinifera) grafted over a wild Vitis rootstock (hybrids of V. berlandieri, riparia and rupestris). Grape berry quality at harvest depends on a subtle balance between acidity and the concentrations of sugars, polyphenols and precursors of aroma compounds. The mechanisms controlling the balance of sugars/acids/polyphenols are influenced by the abiotic environment, in particular nitrogen supply, and interact with the genotypes of both the scion variety and the rootstock. Previous work suggests that some of the effects of water stress are in fact linked to a nitrogen deficiency driven indirectly by the reduction of water absorption.

Located in the western bekaa region of lebanon, rachaya is known for its extensive history of viticulture and ideal mediterranean conditions for grapevine cultivation. Despite the area’s importance in grapevine production, there is limited knowledge about the local grape varieties grown there. In this work, we conducted a detailed analysis of five local grapevine varieties in the area, obeidy, kassoufi, foddeh, aswadi, and maryami, of which little is currently known, in comparison to a set of international varieties.

La société et l’état imposent plus que jamais à la viticulture française de prendre en compte ses impacts environnementaux tout en produisant des vins de qualité. Après avoir présenté ces impacts, les auteurs exposent la méthode de l’Analyse du Cycle de Vie. Ils proposent une démarche pour sa mise au point pour évaluer les impacts environnementaux en viticulture AOP en Val de Loire dans le cadre de l’évaluation de la compatibilité des objectifs qualitatifs et environnementaux de la production de raisins de cuve.

A Syrah/R99 vineyard in the Stellenbosch area was used. The vineyard is vertically trained and spaced 2.75 x 1.5 m in north-south orientated rows on terroir with Glenrosa soil and west-facing slope. Irrigation (to 100% field water capacity) treatments were applied at different development stages [all stages (including berry set stage); pea size; véraison; post-véraison]. Combined effects of water status and ripeness level were investigated. Preliminary results are presented.