Terroir 2008 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Terroir Conferences 9 Terroir 2008 9 Global approach and application of terroir studies: product typicity and valorisation 9 Temperature variations in the Walla Walla valley American Viticultural Area

Temperature variations in the Walla Walla valley American Viticultural Area

Abstract

Variations in average growing season and ripening season temperatures within the Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area are related to elevation and regional and local topography. Downstream narrowing of the Walla Walla Valley creates a nocturnal cold air pool that is more pronounced during the August to October ripening season. Average growing season temperatures are generally higher and growing degree-days greater at lower elevations. Average temperatures increase with elevation to 450 m during the ripening season as temperature inversions become more pronounced and persistent. Cool air descending from the Blue Mountains lowers average growing and ripening season temperatures at sites near major streams. Adiabatic warming of down-sloping prevailing winds increases average growing season and ripening season temperatures near the base of Vansycle Ridge. Grapevines planted below 300 m have a much greater risk of damage from frosts and freezes. Variations in vineyard ground surface materials have no apparent effect on ambient air temperatures as measured by radiation shielded data loggers at a height of 1.5 m

DOI:

Publication date: December 8, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2008

Type : Article

Authors

Kevin R. POGUE and Gregory M. DERING

Department of Geology, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA 99362 USA

Contact the author

Keywords

Walla Walla Valley, temperature, elevation, topography, growing degree-day

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2008

Citation

Related articles…

Influence of agrophotovoltaic on vine and must in a cool climate

The current energy crisis means that interest in agrophotovoltaics has increased significantly. The reason behind this is that the system aims to combine agricultural production with energy production. During the three-year period from 2020 to 2022, the effects of photovoltaic panels on the vine, the yield and the quality of the must were studied in Walenstadt in northern Switzerland, an area with a cool, humid climate. 65 Pinot noir vines were planted in the 160m2 study area. Because of the large edge effects, only 3 repetitions with 4 vines each could be created. A significantly lower leaf infestation by Plasmopara viticola was observed among the panels in each of the three years.

Illuminating vineyard management: Elevating operational efficiency through advanced sensing and data analytics

In this video recording of the IVES science meeting 2024, Luca Brillante (California State University, Fresno, USA) speaks about vineyard management, advanced sensing and data analytics. This presentation is based on an original article accessible for free on OENO One.

Exploring the presence of oligopeptides in wines into identify possible compounds with umami or kokumi properties

Umami is defined as a pleasant and savory taste derived from glutamate, inosinate and guanylate, which are naturally present in meat, fish, vegetables and dairy products. The term “kokumi” refers to a complex flavour sensation, characterized by thickness, fullness and continuity.

Factors influencing the production of the antioxidant hydroxytyrosol during alcoholic fermentation: Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen and Sugar content.

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is well known for its potent antioxidant activity and anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties. One possible explanation to its origin in wines is the synthesis from tyrosol, which in turn is produced from the Ehrlich pathway by yeasts. This work aims to explore the factors that could increase the final content as the initial concentration of yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) and sugar. Two different concentrations of YAN were proved between 210mg/L and 300 mg/L. Additionally, two different concentrations of sugar were used: 100g/L and 240 g/L. Alcoholic fermentations in synthetic must were performed with the strain QA23.

Screening of different commercial wine yeast strains: the effect of sugar and copper additions on fermentation and volatile acidity production

The aims of this study were to examine the effect of high sugar concentrations of must and copper residues on different commercial wine yeasts. Copper originating from pesticides has been known to inhibit yeast, but it’s effect on fermentation performance and VA production of different yeast strains had not been investigated in detail.