Effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on grape composition in Monastrell grapevines under semiarid conditions

The concept of viticultural terroir includes soil, sub-soil, and climatic factors but also many management viticultural and oenological practices which are chosen according to know-how of the winegrowers.

Sfursat di Valtellina is a DOCG reinforced wine produced in Valtellina from partially withered red grapes of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Nebbiolo. The grape ripeness degree and the dehydration process strongly influence the physicochemical characteristics of grapes [1, 2, 3]. In particular, grape skin and seeds contain several classes of phenolic compounds strictly associated with red wine quality, which are significantly affected by these factors [4]. The aim of this research is to assess the combined influence of different ripeness levels and withering rates on the standard chemical composition and phenolic profile of winegrape in order to provide new insights and approaches to the management of withering, searching for the valorization of grape potentialities.

Started in 1994, this project intends to explain quality of grapes and wines using data of soil, climate and vineyard that are currently used in field trials.

One of the key factors of the economical development of viticulture and wine industry in specific limited areas is the exploitation of ancient, local grape varieties. Therefore, in recent years the growing interest to rediscover minor varieties, previously cultivated, has promoted many studies. With this regard, the focus of this study was the Vitis vinifera L. cultivar Moscato nero d’Acqui, nowadays found only in old vineyards in the Acqui zone (North-West Italy). In particular, the aims of this work were: i) to investigate secondary metabolites profile of the grapes, and ii) to evaluate the attitude to the production of special wines.

The total global production of wine in 2021 was estimated at around 250 million hectoliters. The 30% of the total quantity of vinified grapes corresponds to wine by-products that represent nearly 20 million tons, of which 50% corresponds to the European Union. Wine by-products have been used for different purposes, in agriculture, cosmetics, pharmacy, biorefinery, feed, and the food