Future scenarios for viticultural climatic zoning in Europe

The chemical profile and sensory attributes were studied in Borrigiano IGT Toscana wine (Italy), a blend of Sangiovese 85% and Cabernet Sauvignon 15% grapes harvested in September 2020, where 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethanol (hydroxytyrosol, HT, [1]) was added to a 750-ml wine bottle in 3 different amounts (30, 60, 120 mg) and compared with the control (no HT addition). The study aimed to evaluate whether Polyphenol-HT1®, a high purity HT (>99%) produced by Nova Mentis using biotechnology, could be used as a supplement to sulfites and how it would impact the sensory and chemical profile of this wine [2]. Each sample was prepared in triplicate.

Aim: Grapevine has traditionally been widely cultivated in drylands. However, in recent decades, a significant part of the viticulture all over the word and specifically in Mediterranean basin, is being irrigated. In recent years, due to climate change, among other reasons, the available natural water resources have been reduced substantially compromising the sustainability of viticulture, especially in the most arid areas

Grapevine downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is a devastating disease worldwide. Most commercially important cultivars of the European grapevine are highly susceptible and therefore require the recurrent application of synthetic fungicides to control the disease, copper being the most frequently used. However, with European Union goals to lower their usage, there is a need to develop innovative and sustainable strategies. In this respect, seaweeds have proven to have great potential as phytosanitary agents, in addition to promoting plant growth and stress-tolerance.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) constitute a diverse group of secondary metabolites key for the communication of plants with other organisms and for their adaptation to environmental and biotic stresses. The emission of these compounds through leaves is also affected by the interaction of plants with symbiotic microorganisms, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) among them [1]. Our objective was to know the concentration and profile of VOCs emitted by the leaves of two grapevine varieties (Tempranillo, T, and Cabernet Sauvignon, CS, grafted onto R110 rootstocks), inoculated or not with a consortium of five AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis, Funneliformis mosseae, Septoglomus deserticola, Claroideoglomus claroideum and C. etunicatum).

3-Mercaptohexanol (3MH) is a volatile thiol occurring in several white and red wines, where it can contribute to fruity attributes. Its content is typically high in wines from certain grape varieties, in particular Sauvignon blanc, where it is considered a varietal marker. The strong nucleophilic character of thiols makes 3MH rather unstable during wine storage, due to the presence of several strong electrophilic species. Among these electrophilics, those arising from the oxidation of flavan3-ols such as catechin and epi-catechin have been indicated as critical for 3MH stability. Accordingly, there is a generalized interest towards the ability of vinification practices to reduce 3MH loss during aging through the management of wine flavan-3-ols content.