Terroir 2010 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Tools for terroir classification for the grape variety Kékfrankos

Tools for terroir classification for the grape variety Kékfrankos

Abstract

A 3-year study was carried out in order to evaluate the ecophysiology, yield and quality characteristics of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Kékfrankos (syn. Limberger) at Eger-Nagyeged hill (steep slope) and at Eger-Kőlyuktető (flat) vineyard sites located in the Eger wine region, Hungary. The aim of this paper was to analyse the effect of ‘vintage’ and ‘terroir’ on the seasonal changes of Kékfrankos ecophysiology and its possible relationship with yield and wine composition. Grapevine physiological responses (midday- and pre-dawn water potential, pressure–volume analysis and gas-exchange), yield and wine composition of each vineyard were studied. Lower grapevine water supply was detected at Eger-Nagyeged hill in each season due to its steep slope and soil characteristics. Stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and photosynthetic production per unit leaf area were affected by water availability. Lower yield in Eger-Nagyeged hill was partly associated with decreased photosynthetic production of the canopy. Improved wine quality of Eger-Nagyeged hill was due to moderate water stress which induced higher concentration of anthocyanins and phenolics in the berries. There was a close relationship between environmental conditions, Kékfrankos gas exchange, water relations, yield and wine composition. Water deficit plays an important role in creating a terroir effect, resulting in decreased yield, better sun exposure of leaves and clusters and thus higher concentration of phenolics and anthocyanins. Although quality is mainly influenced by vintage differences, vineyard characteristics are able to buffer unfavourable vintage effects even within a small wine region. Stomatal conductance, pre-dawn water potential and climatic data may be reliable parameters for terroir classification, although variety–terroir interactions must always be considered.
Data of Geographycal Information System (GIS) performed in this study may serve as part of the data base, that we are engaged in the Eger wine district in Hungary.

DOI:

Publication date: November 22, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2010

Type: Article

Authors

B. Bálo (1), Z. Szilágyi (1), E. Szücs (1), M. Marschall (2), Z. Simon (2) and Zs. Zsófi (1)

(1) Research Institute of Károly Róbert College for Viticulture and Enology, Eger, 3301 Eger Kőlyuktető PO Box 83, Hungary
(2) Department of Plant Physiology, Eszterházy Károly College, Eger, 3300 Eger Leányka Street 6, Hungary

Contact the author

Keywords

Climate, grapevine, photosynthesis, terroir, water relations, water deficit, wine composition, yield

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2010

Citation

Related articles…

Physiological and growth reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt to row orientation and soil water status

Advanced knowledge on grapevine row orientation is required to improve establishment, management and outcomes of vineyards on terroirs with different environmental conditions (climate, soil, topography) and in view of a future change to more extreme climatic conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of row orientation, plant water status and ripeness level on the physiological and viticultural reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt.

Effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California

San Joaquin Valley accounts for 40% of wine grape acreage and produces 70% of wine grape in California. Fruit quality is one of most important factors which impact the economical sustainability of farming wine grapes in this region. Due to the recent drought and expected labor cost increase, the wine industry is thrilled to understand how to improve fruit quality while maintaining the yield with less water and labor input. The present study aims to study the interactive effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on yield and berry compositions of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California.

The effects of cane girdling on berry texture properties and the concentration of some aroma compounds in three table grape cultivars

The marketability of the table grapes is highly influenced by the consumer demand; therefore the market value of the table grapes is mainly characterized by its berry size, colour, taste and texture. Girdling could cause accumulation of several components in plants above the ringing of the phloem including clusters and resulting improved maturity. The aim of the experiments was to examine the effect of girdling on berry texture characteristics and aroma concentration.

Application of a fluorescence-based method to evaluate the ripening process and quality of Pinot Blanc grape

The chemical composition of grape berries at harvest is one of the most important factors that should be considered to produce high quality wines. Among the different chemical classes which characterize the grape juice, the polyphenolic compound, such as flavonoids, contribute to the final taste and color of wines. Recently, an innovative non-destructive method, based on chlorophyll fluorescence, was developed to estimate the phenolic maturity of red grape varieties through the evaluation of anthocyanins accumulated in the berry skin. To date, only few data are available about the application of this method on white grape varieties.

Different yield regulation strategies in semi-minimal-pruned hedge (SMPH) and impact on bunch architecture

Yields in the novel viticulture training system Semi-Minimal-Pruned Hedge (SMPH) are generally higher compared to the traditional Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP). Excessive yields have a negative impact on the vine and wine quality, which can result in substantial losses in yield in subsequent vintages (alternate bearing) or penalties in fruit quality. Therefore yield regulation is essential. The bunch architecture in SMPH differs from VSP. Generally there is a higher amount but smaller bunches with lower single berry weights in SMPH compared to VSP.