Characterization of the Origin Denomination “Ribeira Sacra”

Ampelography is aimed at describing the vine according to several characteristics, such as morphology, agronomic aptitudes, technological potential, and genetics. The description of varieties and species of vitis has long been the subject of numerous scientific and technical studies by eminent specialists for a long time, which have led the OIV to publish in 1983 the “descriptor list for grape varieties and vitis species”, a milestone among the OIV worldwide recognised codes.

The “Terroirs d’Anjou” project led by the Agronomy sector of the Vine and Wine Research Unit of the INRA center in Angers aims to characterize the viticultural terroirs in a study area which includes 29 municipalities in the Maine et Loire and cuts across the Anjou, Coteaux du layon and Coteaux de l’Aubance appellation areas.

Dans les terroirs du Val de Loire, la précocité du cycle de la vigne et son alimentation en eau sont des variables de fonctionnement qui influent de manière importante sur la composition des baies à maturité.

Vineyards are affected by different virus diseases, which can lower yield and affect the quality of grapes. Grapevine red blotch disease is one of them, and no curative solution exists. Once infected, a vine must be removed and replaced with a virus-free vine (aka roguing). Screening vineyards to look for symptoms can be time-consuming and needs well-trained experts. To improve this process, we conducted an experiment identifying infected vines using a hyperspectral camera in the field.

As is well known, Champagne is a product of the highest quality recognized in the international market. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine made in the Champagne region