Terroir 2008 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Using ΔC13 to assess viticultural and oenological suitability for Sangiovese of different pedoclimatic conditions in Chianti

Using ΔC13 to assess viticultural and oenological suitability for Sangiovese of different pedoclimatic conditions in Chianti

Abstract

A two years trial was carried out in Chianti (Central Italy) to assess at the detailed scale the viticultural and oenological suitability for Sangiovese of different pedoclimatic conditions, by means of the ΔC13 measured in the must sugars. Six plots placed in two specialised vineyards in similar geomorphological conditions were investigated. The plots differed for morphological position: summit, backslope and footslope. The soils of the vineyards were similar, except for structure, porosity and related hydropedological characteristics. Soil water content and temperature were measured at different depths. Measurements were replicated every one/two weeks. Soil characterization included macroporosity quantification by image analysis.
The yield, phenological phases, and chemical analysis of grapes were determined. The isotopic ratio 13C/12C was measured in the must sugar upon harvesting. Grapes of each plot were collected for wine making in small barrels. The wines obtained were analysed and submitted to a blind organoleptic testing.
The results demonstrated that almost all plots had rather high amounts of transpirable water, even during the driest time of the year; however, the response of Sangiovese was influenced by site hydropedology. The soils in morphological positions receiving and holding more water produced significant worst results in the moister 2005, than during the drier 2006. The drier soils yielded the best results in both years, but more prominently in 2005. Vines of the plots having a lower soil water availability produced relatively higher values of ΔC13, as well as a better oenological and organoleptic result. The ΔC13 test confirmed the limited stress conditions in the two vineyards, despite yields in the two years ranged from 2 to 8 kg per plant. This result highlighted the pedoclimatic limitations of the studied sites in obtaining high quality wine.

DOI:

Publication date: December 8, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2008

Type: Article

Authors

Edoardo A.C. COSTANTINI (1), Sergio PELLEGRINI (1), Pierluigi BUCELLI (1), Paolo STORCHI (2), Nadia VIGNOZZI (1), Roberto BARBETTI (1), Stefano CAMPAGNOLO (1)

(1) CRA – Research centre for Agrobiology and Pedology, Florence, Italy
(2) CRA – Research unit for Viticulture, Arezzo, Italy

Contact the author

Keywords

carbon isotopes, hydropedology, porosity, land evaluation, terroir

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2008

Citation

Related articles…

Unveiling the bioactive potential of aglianco grape pomace: oleanolic acid as a promising natural product

The winemaking industry generates a substantial amount of byproducts, including grape pomace, which is often discarded as waste. However, this seemingly useless material holds a wealth of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Recognizing the value of circular economy principles, this study delves into the comprehensive chemical analysis of aglianco grape pomace, aiming to transform this byproduct into a valuable resource.

Simulating the impact of climate change on grapevine behaviour and viticultural activities

Global climate change affects regional climates and hold implications for wine growing regions worldwide

Perception, liking and emotional response of tropical fruit aromas in Chardonnay wines

Tropical fruit aromas in wines are thought to be important to wine consumers, although there is little research to confirm this statement. With so many wine styles available, it has become important to understand the qualities that are desirable to consumers and how to achieve those qualities. Thiols and esters are compounds that have been found to cause tropical fruit aromas in chardonnay (ref). Fermentation temperature gradients and skin contact were found to increase these compounds using micro scale fermentations. This work aimed to scale up these fermentations/operations to determine if the desired tropical fruit aromas could still be achieved and if there is a perceivable difference in tropical fruit aromas, liking, and emotional response in the wines at the consumer level.

Aromas of Riesling wine: impact of bottling and storage conditions

Storage temperature and bottling parameters are among the most important factors, which influence the development of wine after bottling. It is well studied that higher storage temperatures speed up chemical reactions and results in faster wine aging [1,2]. It is also known that higher SO2 level and lower oxygen content provide better protection and longer shelf-life for the wine. At the same time, the mechanisms of chemical transformations of wine aromas during the aging process are not fully understood. In particular, how oxidation reactions contribute to the transformations of varietal aroma compounds.In the present study [3], we investigated the development of Riesling wine depending on a series of bottling conditions, which differed in the free SO2 level in wine (low—13 mg/L, medium—24 mg/L, high—36 mg/L), CO2 treatment of the headspace.

Aging in amphorae with different porosity for sustainable production of Nero d’Avola wine

In recent years, the use of amphorae in winemaking has become more frequent, symbolizing a return to the origins of vinification to broaden the availability of wines with different style.