Assessment of environmental sustainability of wine growing activity in France

Since 1998, the GiESCO (previously named GESCO: Groupe d’Etude des Systèmes de COnduite de la vigne) has provided the scientific community with relevant contributions to the study of terroirs. Here is a synthesis of the main terroir-related fields and the major ideas the GiESCO has developed: Basic Terroir Unit and climate, Vine Ecophysiology and microclimate – moderate drought, Vineyard heterogeneity and new technologies, Viticultural Terroir Unit and canopy management, Terroir – Territory and man.

Environmental factors like soil and climate influence grape quality potential. Their impact is often mediated through vine water and nitrogen status. Depending on the color of the grapes (red or white) and the type of wine produced, the desired level of vine water and nitrogen status for optimum wine quality is different. Little investigation has been carried out concerning these factors and their potential influence on sparkling wine quality on two vintages. In this study vine water and nitrogen status were assessed at a very high density and related to grape composition and berry weight. Through statistical analyses, the major factors driving grape quality potential on Pinot noir in Champagne were highlighted.

Understanding grapevine molecular processes and the underlying defence responses is vital for developing sustainable disease control strategies. Lipid signalling pathways, involving the synthesis and degradation of lipid molecules, have emerged as a key regulator in plant defence against pathogens. This study aims to elucidate the role of fatty acids and lipid signalling in grapevine’s defence response to P. viticola infection. The expression of lipid metabolism-related as well as lipid signalling genes was analysed, by qPCR, in three grapevine genotypes: Chardonnay (susceptible), Regent (tolerant) with Rpv3-1 resistance loci, and Sauvignac (resistant) harbouring a pyramid of Rpv12 and Rpv3-1 resistance loci.

The first white settlers arrived in Australia in 1788 and brought grape vine cuttings with them. As migration to Australia continued to grow during the XIX Century more and more vine cuttings, viticulturists and winemakers from Britain, France, Germany, ltaly, Switzerland and Yugoslavia founded their businesses.

The Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin (DO) has acquired great recognition during the last decades, being considered one of the highest quality wine producing regions in the world. This DO has grown from 6,460 ha of vineyards officially registered in 1985 to approximately 21,500 ha in 2013. The total grape production stands at around 90 million kg, with an average yield that approaches nearly 4,500 kg/ha. Most vineyards are cultivated under rainfed conditions.