Terroir 2008 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Fractal analysis as a tool for delimiting guarantee of quality areas

Fractal analysis as a tool for delimiting guarantee of quality areas

Abstract

The pioneering work of Mandelbrot in the 70’s for building the fractal theory lead rapidly to many interesting applications in different fields such as earth sciences and economy. Even if agronomy and environment sciences have not yet much explored this theoretical tool they could allow a lot of applications.
This paper gives two concrete examples of application. The first one shows how the fractal analysis can be used to define a geographical area such as AOC area of Maine cider brandy and Pommeau du Maine AOC Area. With the second one we can see how, taken among many others, the fractal dimension is a good theoretical tool for characterising a vineyard landscape.

Related articles…

Un exemple de valorisation d’une étude de terroir au sein d’une unité coopérative de production à Saint Hilaire d’Ozilhan (Gard) dans les cotes du Rhône

The winegrowers of the intercommunal cooperative cellar of Saint Hilaire d’Ozilhan have been practicing terroir selection for ten years. Five years ago, after having equipped themselves with an efficient commercial structure, and anxious to improve knowledge of their terroirs and to better control quantitatively and qualitatively the range of typicality that they can develop, they asked the Syndicate Général des Vignerons Réunis des Côtes du Rhône and the Institut Coopératif du Vin to help them set up an approach to better judge the behavior of the Grenache and Syrah grape varieties in the different terroirs, then to enhance this work through the improving product quality.

Combined use of leaf removal and natural shading to delay grape ripening in Manto negro (Vitis vinifera L.) under deficit irrigation 

The increasingly frequent heat waves during grape ripening pose challenges for premium wine grape production. This makes the development of irrigation and canopy management techniques of great importance to maximize yield and grape quality. A field experiment was carried out during 2021 and 2022 using Manto negro wine grapes to study the effect of two irrigation strategies and different light exposure levels on grape quality.

New methods and technologies to describe the environment in terroir studies

The concept of terroir in viticulture deals with the influence of environmental factors on vine behaviour and grape ripening. Recent advances in technology, in particular computer technology, allow a more in-depth study of the environment. Geomorphology can be studied with digital Elevation Models (DEM). Soils can be surveyed with geophysics.

Analysis of the daily minimum temperatures variability in the Casablanca Valley, Chile

The Casablanca Valley (CV) has a complex topography and is located near the Pacific Ocean. These factors generate important climatic differences in relation to other wine producing zones of Central Chile.

Influence of harvest time and withering length combination on reinforced Nebbiolo wines: phenolic composition, colour traits, and sensory profile

Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG is a reinforced dry red wine produced in the mountain area of Valtellina alpine valley (North Italy), using ‘Nebbiolo’ grapes that undergo a withering process. This process impacts on the grape composition due to a sugar concentration and changes in secondary metabolism influencing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyphenols.