Terroir 2008 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Vineyard soil mapping to optimise wine quality: from ‘terroir’ characterisation to vineyard management

Vineyard soil mapping to optimise wine quality: from ‘terroir’ characterisation to vineyard management

Abstract

In this study, a soil mapping methodology at subplot level (scale 1:5000) for vineyard soils was developed. The aim of this mapping method was to establish mapping units, which could be used as basic units for ‘terroir’ characterisation and vineyard management (precision viticulture). The developed methodology applied most of the criteria of the Soil Inventory of Catalonia and the Soil Survey Manual of the Department of Agriculture of United States, at very-detailed scale. The suitability of soil maps as a tool for definition of ‘terroir’ units and management units are discussed, according to our experiences. The method followed allowed good soil type discrimination at vineyard subplot level, differentiating zones with distinct soil properties important to vineyard development. However, the variability within the soil mapping unit could not be ascertained by this method. Significant differences in grape quality were found between distinct soil mapping units. Moreover, the application of variable rates of fertilizer at vine subplot level was possible using thematic maps calculated from soil maps, by means of Geographic Information Systems. 

DOI:

Publication date: December 8, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2008

Type: Article

Authors

Josep Miquel UBALDE (1), Xavier SORT (1), Rosa Maria POCH (2) and Miquel PORTA (1)

(1) Dept. of Viticulture, Miguel Torres Winery, Miquel Torres i Carbó 6, 08720 Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain
(2) Dept. of Environment and Soil Science, University of Lleida, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain 

Contact the author

Keywords

soil mapping, viticultural zoning, terroir unit, management unit, precision viticulture

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2008

Citation

Related articles…

EFFECTS OF HYDROXYTYROSOL ON THE CHEMICAL PROFILE AND SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF A RED TUSCAN WINE

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.

Unleashing the power of artificial intelligence for viticulture and oenology on earth and space

Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in viticulture and enology is a rapidly growing field of research with an essential number of potential practical applications.

Untargeted metabolomics to identify potential chemical markers responsible for the permissiveness of red wines against Brettanomyces bruxellensis

Red wines constitute the majority of the wines produced in Bordeaux. All along the winemaking process, many microorganisms may develop in wine. A lot of them are useful but a common defect found in wine is linked to the development of Brettanomyces bruxellensis, a yeast that produces volatile phenols. These molecules are responsible for an unwanted sensorial defect described as similar to “horse sweat”, “burnt plastic” or “leather”. It has been shown that while some wines are very permissive and easily contaminated, others are pretty resistant to Brettanomyces development. However, common parameters such as pH, alcohol or sugars composition cannot fully explain the differences observed in wine permissiveness.

Effect of irrigation and soil type on root growth and distribution of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Nero d’Avola grown in Sicily

L’essai a été effectué dans un vignoble du cépage Nero d’Avola greffé sur 1103 Paulsen dans un terroir de la D.O.C Alcamo en Sicile. Le système de conduite des vignes était à espalier, la taille à cordon coursonné et l’irrigation à goutte a goutte. On a été confrontés trois types de traitements: A) vignes non irriguées; B) vignes irriguées quand le

TARTARIC STABILIZATION MAY AFFECT THE COLOR AND POLYPHENOLIC COMPOSITION OF TANNAT RED WINES FROM URUGUAY

Tartrate precipitation affects the properties of wines, due to the formation of crystals that cause turbidity, even after being bottled. The forced tartaric stabilization is carried out frequently for young wines, through various physicochemical procedures. The traditional treatment for tartaric stabilization is refrigeration, but it can have a negative effect on wine’s sensory properties, and particularly on the color of red wines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different tartaric stabilization options on the color and phenolic composition of Tannat red wines from Uruguay.