Swiss terroirs studies

Abstract

A multidisciplinary approach aiming at studying the grape-growing areas also referred as “Terroir” was initiated a few years ago in Switzerland. Collaborative studies are carried out on soil characteristics (I. Letessier, Bureau SIGALES; S. Burgos, Ecole d’Ingénieurs de Changins), climatic parameters (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne) and aspects of the plant physiology (Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil). The study of the soil includes the collection of geological and pedological characteristics and viticulturalist’s practical knowledge. It emerged that a large diversity in type and composition of soils was found and highlighted the importance of the parameter of soil water holding capacity (SWHC). In order to evaluate the climatic component of the “Terroir”, a model was built resulting in a climatic index taking into account temperature, radiation and wind protection. Agronomical studies revealed a good correlation between the physiology of the plant (water status, vegetative growth, sugar accumulation in berries) and the water content present in the soil (SWHC). Current studies aim at determining the influences of pedo-climatic factors on the quality of the final product in wine-growing areas in Switzerland.

DOI:

Publication date: December 8, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2008

Type: Article

Authors

Vivian ZUFFEREY, Jean-Sébastien REYNARD, Karine PYTHOUD, Cristina MONICO, François MURISIER, Isabelle LETESSIER (1)

Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW, CH-1260 NYON (Suisse)
(1) Bureau SIGALES, F-38410 St Martin d’Uriage (France)

Contact the author

Keywords

terroirs, soils, climate, ecophysiology, grape quality

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2008

Citation

Related articles…

Chitosan elicits mono-glucosylated stilbene production and release in fed-batch fermentation of grape cells 

In the present study, the optimal conditions of grape (Vitis vinifera cv ‘Barbera’) cell cultures in batch and fed-batch bioreactor processes were studied to specifically improve the production of mono-glucosylated stilbenes.

Role of VvNCED1 in β-damascenone and abscisic acid biosynthesis: new insights into aroma development in grapes

β-Damascenone is a key norisoprenoid in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) that imparts floral and fruity aromas to both fruits and wines. It is derived from carotenoid metabolism, with neoxanthin as a substrate.

VITOUR – The European World Heritage Vineyards

UNESCO World Heritage as the link, Europe as the area covered. VITOUR network is born on this idea, on Loire Valley Mission and InterLoire’s initiative. It gathers vineyards inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List.

Modulation of the tannic structure of Tannat wines through maceration techniques: cross analytical and sensory study

The Tannat grape, native to the foothills of the Pyrenees in France, is known for producing wines with intense colour, exceptional tannic structure, and remarkable aging potential. These distinctive characteristics are attributed to its unique genome, making Tannat one of the grape varieties with the highest tannins concentration.

A new approach for sensory characterization of grape. Relationship with chemical composition

Characterize taste and mouthfeel properties of grapes elicited by the phenolic fraction (PF) of grape berries and establish relationships with chemical variables. METHODS: As many as 31 diverse grape lots of Tempranillo Tinto and Garnacha Tinta from three different regions were harvested. Grapes were destemmed and macerated in 15% of ethanol for one week and extracts were submitted to solid phase extraction. The recovered polyphenolic fraction was reconstituted in wine model and characterized by a panel of 21 wine experts employing a list of 23 taste and mouthfeel-related attributes following a rate-k-attributes methodology. RESULTS: Six significant attributes among the 31 samples differed based on ANOVA results: “dry”, “coarse”, “bitter”, “dry on tongue”, “sticky” and “watery”. PCA with VARIMAX algorithm was calculated.