Geochemistry of Vrbničko Polje (Croatia) winegrowing site

The effects of (A) grape freezing, and (B) malolactic fermentation, have been evaluated on the chemical and colorimetric profiles of red wines from Schiava grossa cv. grapes, thus prone to colour instability. The aim was to observe if specific variables (e.g. grape freezing) could improve the extraction and stability of pigments. The samples were studied from musts up to twelve months in bottle. The study was conducted with independent parallel micro-vinifications (12 = 4 theses x 3 replicates) under strictly-controlled conditions.

Le travail concerne en premier la méthodologie de caractérisation du climat des vignobles, à l’échelle du macroclimat des régions viticoles du monde (géoviticulture). Trois indices climatiques viticoles synthétiques

The Grenache Noir grape variety, due to its originality and its representativeness, contributes very directly to the quality and typicality of the wines of the Rhône Valley. It is generally appreciated for its varied aromatic palette and for the roundness and suppleness it gives to wines. Since 1995, the Rhodanien Institute has set up a network of reference plots representative of the different types of terroir present in the southern zone of the Côtes du Rhône Appellation (TRUC, 1997; VAUDOUR et al, 1996 ) . Publications on the aromatic composition of grapes and wines are very abundant, but only a few articles have appeared on the Grenache grape variety PAUMES et al., 1986).

Wine aroma descriptors are important tools for wine evaluation. The present well-known wine aroma descriptor system was created and based on Western culture, which makes difficult for Chinese consumers to recognize and learn wine. AIM: The aim of this study was to update the wine aroma descriptor system for Chinese.

Methods: Fifty-four wine aroma descriptors of ‘Le nez du vin’ was used as substitution candidates. Firstly, a survey on unfamiliar aromas was distributed to 150 untrained Chinese wine consumers. Twenty attributors, such as blackcurrent buds, quince, linden, were selected as the most 17 unfamiliar. Then, a descriptive analysis was performed by trained tasting panel to substitute the targeted twenty aromas perfume. Furthermore, reference standards were looked and new le nez du vin were made. Finally, a substitution analysis was performed to replace the unknown wine aroma to the Chinese local aromas.

A seven years survey (2003 to 2009) has been carried out over old traditional vineyards cv. Cencibel in La Mancha region (Spain). Seven plots with more than 35 years old were sampled from veraison to harvest, measuring soluble solids (ºBaumé) and acid concentration (g/l in tartaric acid).