Fractal analysis as a tool for delimiting guarantee of quality areas

Three-dimensional functional-structural root architecture models, which decompose the root system architecture (RSA) into elementary developmental processes such as root emission, axial growth, branching patterns and tropism have become useful tools for (i) reconstructing in silico the spatial and temporal dynamics of root systems in a soil volume, (ii) analyzing their genotypic diversity and plasticity to the environment, and (iii) overcoming the bottleneck associated with their visualization and measurement in situ. Here, we present an original work on RSA phenotyping and modelling in grapevine. First, we developed 2D image-based analysis pipelines to quantify morphological and architectural traits in young grafts. Second, we parametrized and validated the 3D root model Archisimple on two rootstock genotypes (RGM, 1103P) grafted with V. vinifera Cabernet-Sauvignon and grown in different controlled conditions (rhizotrons, pots, tubes).

‘Tempranillo Tinto’ is one of the most relevant grapevine cultivars worldwide. Despite its early ripening and relatively short vegetative cycle, which may not be ideal for high-quality grape and wine production in warming conditions, its long-standing cultivation has led to an intense multiplication by cuttings, which originated the high level of clonal variation currently available. Now, this intra-varietal diversity provides an interesting opportunity for cultivar improvement by identifying genotypes with better adaptation potential.

Bases on oxoluminescence, we have developed an innovative device for measuring dissolved oxygen in wines in barrels without opening the bung. This system is directly inserted into the wood during the barrel elaboration and can be positioned at different locations of the barrel (the head, the hull …). During two successive vintages we have used this device notably to follow the oxygen dissolved of whites wines elaborated in barrels. This allowed us initially to monitor the oxygen levels of the harvest to bottling the whole elaboration process in barrels of white wines without using techniques of measurement suitable to modify the real values in wines (opening the bung to plunge an oximeter).

The research is part of the “Ecovinegoals” project, financed by Interreg Adrion funds. It aims to encourage the adoption and dissemination of agroecological practices in intensive wine-growing areas. The study focuses on cost analysis of the wine-growing landscape enhancement in an organic winery in order to provide a useful tool for winemakers to direct their investments in green infrastructures. One of the Italian pilot areas of the Ecovinegoals project is the Venezia Biodistrict, characterized by viticulture in a flat reclamation area of 105,800 hectares.

Mandilaria, a red grape variety indigenous to the Aegean islands, is well known for its robust tannins and pronounced astringency, which can challenge the palatability and marketability of its wines. The aim of this study was the reduction of astringency in wines made exclusively from mandilaria grapes through dehydrations practices and targeted winery applications.