Reasoning a Terroir policy on the basis of the prospective study of the French wine sector

In the concept of sustainable viticulture proposed by the OIV, it can be noted that enhancing terroir is also one measure of sustainability. Thus, the territorial approach may offer an interesting viewpoint from which to consider this issue in a multi-perspective way.

Candida zemplinina (synonym Starmerella bacillaris) is frequently isolated in grape must in different vitivinicultural areas. The enological significance of C. zemplinina strains used in combination with S. cerevisiae has been demonstrated, being wines produced by the above-mixed starter, characterized by higher amounts of glycerol and esters.

The influences of quality compost A+ and of a commercial organic fertilizer based on dry mash from bioethanol production, blackstrap molasses, vinasse, PNC (potato nitrogen concentrate) and CSL (corn steep liquor) on the humus content, on the mineral nitrogen content in the soil, in the must and in the vine leaves, on pruning wood

Those previous years, pesticides are often brought to the forefront by media. Questions arose about their toxicity for growers and consumers. Even if a downward trend is underway, the use of pesticides is required to ensure steady quality and quantity of harvests. A large number of active ingredients are authorized but regarding viticulture, mainly insecticides and fungicides are applied, to control pests and diseases and to increase crop yield. Some phytosanitary products, principally fungicides, applied close to the harvest date may frequently be detected in wines.

Nowadays, winemaking is dealing with great challenges, notably climate change, disease resistance and low pesticide inputs, desire for more sustainable agricultural productions and permanent changing of consumer preference. Trying to propose practice improvements, scientists are exploring vine hybridization a paradoxically old but still actual way to take up such challenges