Terroir 2010 banner

Future scenarios for viticultural climatic zoning in Europe

Abstract

Climate is one of the main conditioning factors of winemaking. In this context, bioclimatic indices are a useful zoning tool, allowing the description of the suitability of a particular region for wine production. In this study, we compute climatic indices for Europe, characterize regions with different viticultural aptitude, and assess possible variations in these regions under a future climate conditions using a state-of-the-art regional climate model. The indices are calculated from climatic variables (mostly daily temperatures and precipitation) obtained from the regional climate model COSMO-CLM for recent and future climate conditions. Maps of theses indices for recent decades (1961-2000) and for the XXI century (following the SRES A1B scenario) are considered to identify possible changes. Results show that climate change is projected to have a significant negative impact in wine quality by increased dryness and cumulative thermal effects during growing seasons in Southern European regions (e.g. Portugal, Spain and Italy). These changes represent an important constraint to grapevine growth and development, making crucial adaptation/mitigation strategies to be adopted. On the other hand, regions of western and central Europe (e.g. southern Britain, northern France and Germany) will benefit from this scenario both in wine quality, and in new potential areas for viticulture. This approach provides a macro-characterization of European areas where grapevines may preferentially grow, as well as their projected changes, and is thus a valuable tool for viticultural zoning in a changing climate.

Download the PDF

DOI:

Publication date: December 3, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2010

Type: Article

Authors

A. C. Malheiro (1), J. A. Santos (1), H. Fraga (1), J. G. Pinto (2)

1) Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trásos-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
(2) Institut für Geophysik und Meteorologie, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 13, 50923 Köln, Germany

Contact the author

Keywords

Viticultural zoning, scenarios, Europe, climate change, CLM

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2010

Citation

Related articles…

Soave beyond the zonation

In a previous zoning program (1998-2002), climatic and pedological factors were able to distinguish 14 terroir within the Soave DOC area where wine characteristics are well recognizable. Nevertheless, in the past vinegrowers identified several vineyards where a better quality of the grapes and wines could be obtained. So, « beyond the zonation » will aim to suggest a new methodology to characterise the Cru, starting with 15 vineyards that were selected in the Soave Classico DOC area. In the year 2005, a meteorological station was positioned in each vineyard and temperature data were collected; because of the limited area of investigation, only 3 rain sensors were set up.

Read More

Genetics of adventitious root formation in grapevines

Commercial grapevine propagation relies on the ability of dormant wood material to develop adventitious roots.

Read More

Changes in red wine composition during bottle aging: impacts of viticultural conditions and oxygen availability

Bottle ageing is considered essential for most premium red wine production. An important aim of bottle ageing of wine is to achieve a balance between the oxidative and reductive development. This is typically evaluated by the accumulation of aldehyde compounds (causing oxidative off-flavour) and sulfur-containing compounds (causing reductive off-flavour) in the wine [1]

Read More

High-resolution aerial thermography for water stress estimation in grapevines

Aerial thermography has emerged as a promising tool for water stress detection in grapevines, but there are still challenges associated with this technology, particularly concerning the methodology employed to extract reliable canopy temperature values. This consideration is relevant especially in vertically trained vineyards, due to the presence of multiple surfaces which are captured by drone thermal cameras with high-resolution. To test the technology and the data analysis required, a field study was conducted during the 2022-2023 season in a model vineyard with multiple scions-rootstock combinations trained on a vertical shoot-positioning (VSP) system. Additionally, three irrigation regimes were implemented to introduce variability in water stress levels.

Read More

On quality assurance of winemaking components

This report examines product quality assurance issues arising when technological aids and food additives are utilized in winemaking.

Read More