Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Regional impact on rootstock/scion mediated methoxypyrazine accumulation in rachis

Regional impact on rootstock/scion mediated methoxypyrazine accumulation in rachis

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the impact of Geographical Indications (GI) of South Australia on the rootstock/scion-mediated methoxypyrazine accumulation within the rachis of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Methods and Results: Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz bunches were sampled at maturity from two South Australian GIs over the 2019 and 2020 harvest periods. From each region, a minimum of 18 bunches per rootstock/scion combination were sampled from across the vineyard and their rachis material was assessed for 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP). Results indicated that region and rootstock choice significantly affect the concentrations of methoxypyrazines within the rachis material of both Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties at harvest. 

Conclusion: 

This research highlights the effect of regionality on the concentration of methoxypyrazines within the rachis material of Cabernet and Shiraz vines grown on common rootstock varieties. The outcomes will conceivably inform viticulturalists and winemakers of how methoxypyrazine characteristics of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon rachis are impacted by common rootstock/scion combinations permitting informed rootstock selection and assisting in production of a target wine style.

Significance and Impact of the Study: The presence of rachis material during red must fermentation can confer methoxypyrazines to the wine. The presence of methoxypyrazines, and predominately 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP), in red wine can impact the flavour and aroma profile due to their ‘green’ and ‘earthy’ characteristics. Interestingly, this phenomenon has been shown to impact the aroma profile of Shiraz wines, a variety that has not been shown to naturally produce methoxypyrazines within the berries. Furthermore, it appears that the concentration of methoxypyrazines within the rachis is mediated by rootstock/scion combination and the region in which the vines are grown. As rootstock uptake increases across Australia in response to biological threats and abiotic stresses, an understanding of the viticultural and regional influences on rootstock/scion mediated rachis composition is essential to facilitate the production of high-quality Australian wines under increasingly challenging conditions.

Download the PDF

DOI:

Publication date: March 25, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type : Video

Authors

Ross D. Sanders1,2,3, Paul K. Boss1,3, Dimitra L. Capone1,2, Catherine Kidman4, David W. Jeffery1,2*

1Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production, The University of Adelaide, PMB1 Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
2School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB1 Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
3CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Locked Bag 2, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
4Wynns Coonawarra Estate, 77 Memorial Drive, Coonawarra, SA 5263, Australia

Contact the author

Keywords

Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vitis vinifera, wine aroma

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

Guard cells and stomatal movement reveal early molecular interaction between grapevine cells and esca-associated pathogens

Esca is one of the major grapevine trunk diseases that cause vineyards decline and important economic losses in vineyards.

Read More

“Terroir” and grape and wine quality of native grape variety Istrian Malvasia

Viticulture and wine production have a historical tradition in Istria. First written document of vine cultivation in this area date since antiquity. The most wide spread vine variety in Istria is Istrian Malvasia (white variety), and it capture about 60% of total vineyard surface in Istria today.

Read More

Can early defoliation improve fruit composition of Tempranillo grapevines in the semi-arid terroir of Utiel-Requena, Spain?

Early defoliation has been found a useful tool to reduce cluster compactness and to improve fruit composition in vigorous sites of different viticultural areas. Our objective was to test the usefulness

Read More

Relative impact of crop size and leaf removal on aromatic compounds and phenolic acids of Istrian Malvasia wine

Although several studies investigated the impact of crop size or fruit zone microclimate on aromatic or phenolic composition of wines, the effects of these two practices were not assessed and compared in the same study through a technological experiment within the same vineyard. Therefore, their relative effectiveness is hard to compare, which in turn is essential for providing producers with valuable information as a basis to choose adequate approach in yield and canopy management. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of two crop sizes and two different fruit zone microclimate conditions obtained by leaf removal in a two-factorial experiment, in order to assess and compare their relative impact on Istrian Malvasia (Vitis vinifera L.) white wine aroma and phenolic composition.

Read More

Transforming the grapevine world through new breeding techniques

Climate change and environmental degradation are existential threats to europe and the world. One of the most important objectives is to reduce by 2030 the use and the risk of chemical pesticides and fertilisers, reducing nutrient losses and increasing organic farming. Grapevine (vitis spp.) is one of the major and most economically important fruit crops worldwide. It is characterised by high levels of genetic diversity, as result of natural genetic mutations, which are common in grapevines and further assisted by ongoing vegetative propagation.

Read More