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…

Effect of plant fining agents in the must flotation process. Functional characterization

Flotation is one of the most used processes for clarifying white grape must after the pressing process. To date, gelatine is the more used fining agent, its action being improved when combined with bentonite and silica sol.

Pesticide removal in wine with a physical treatment by molecular sieving

All along the winemaking process, conditioning and aging, wine is susceptible to be contaminated by different molecules. Contaminations can have various origins, related to wine microorganisms or as a result of an exogenous contamination. The aforementioned contamination of the wine can be caused by the migration of molecules from the materials in contact with the wine or by a contamination from exogenous molecules present in the air. Regardless of the source of the contamination, mainly two types of consequences can be observed.

Using GIS to assess the terroir potential of an Oregon viticultural region

Deciding to grow grapes in Oregon is complex issue due to our diverse geography, climate, and relatively short history of grape growing. For any potential grape grower, vineyard site selection is the single most important decision they will face.

On quality assurance of winemaking components

This report examines product quality assurance issues arising when technological aids and food additives are utilized in winemaking.

Caractérisation et gestion de la maturation par terroir en Champagne

Pour prévoir et gérer chaque année les principales caractéristiques de la maturation en Champagne, le CIVC (Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne) a développé un ensemble de moyens de prévision et d’information très performants qui permettent aux différents acteurs de la filière viti-vinicole de prendre en compte ces informations à l’échelle de chaque terroir communal pour la recherche d’une qualité optimale.