Effect of certain climatic variables on the phenolic and aromatic composition of two red grape varieties (Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon) grown in the Mancha region (Spain)

The plasticity of grapevines in response to diverse growing conditions is influenced, among other factors, by the extent to which the roots explore the soil and the ability to accumulate and retrieve water and nutrients. Newly planted grapevines, in particular, face challenges due to limited resources. The young plant’s ability for a fast and intensive penetration of the soil is vital in periods of water scarcity. The selection of an appropriate, site-specific rootstock significantly impacts both, the quality of the fruit produced and the economic success of the wine estate.

The shelf life of wine is a major concern for the wine industry. This is particularly true for wines intended for long cellaring, which are supposed to reach their peak after an ageing period ranging from a few months to several years, or even decades. Low, controlled oxygen inputs through the closure system are generally necessary for the wine to evolve towards its optimum organoleptic characteristics. Our previous studies have already shown that the interface between the cork and the bottleneck plays a crucial role in the transfer of oxygen into the bottled wine.

During the more than 190 years since the founding of the first ampelographic collection, the creation of a series of collections is attested on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, each operating in different historical periods and socio-economic conditions,

Aim: Many processes or reactions that occur in plants involved isotopic discrimination. Water availability, for example, affects the isotopic ratio of carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O). In viticulture, δ13C is used in experiments related to water relations and irrigation in vineyards. δ18O is used much less but it could be a good complement to δ13C. The aim of this study was to generate knowledge on how these isotopic ratios, measured in musts, could help to better understand the water behavior of grape varieties. 

A worrying drop in the acidity of wines has been observed in many wine regions, such as Bordeaux (Merlot), Burgundy (Pinot Noir), Côtes-du-Rhône (Grenache) or Rioja (Tempranillo). This lack of acidity is particularly marked in the Midi-Pyrenean vineyards of the Côtes du Frontonnais (Tournier, 1993). However, the acidity of a wine is one of the main factors of its quality, in fact, a low acidity combined with an insufficient tannic structure leads to rapid oxidation of wines and makes them age prematurely.