Terroir 2004 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Study of wine-growing land (“terroir”) characteristics in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland): ecophysiological behaviour of the vine (cv. Chasselas)

Study of wine-growing land (“terroir”) characteristics in the canton of Vaud (Switzerland): ecophysiological behaviour of the vine (cv. Chasselas)

Abstract

A study of the physiological and agronomical behaviour of the vine (cv. Chasselas) was conducted between 2001 and 2003 by the Swiss Federal Research Station for Plant Production at Changins (Agroscope RAC Changins) on various wine-growing farms (terroirs) in the Canton of Vaud (Switzerland), as part of a study project on Vaudois vines and vineyards in association with the firm I. Letessier (SIGALES) in Grenoble and the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL).
In order to identify the typical characteristics of Vaudois wine-growing plots or “terroirs”, the chosen working method attempted to integrate all factors susceptible of influencing “terroir” functions : on the one hand, natural parameters (geology, soil and climate), and, on the other hand, vine response, the most important indicator of ‘terroir” value.
The study of vine behaviour was carried out over a region comprising about fifty Chasselas plots spread out over four pilot zones (1000 ha approximately). The defined pedological units, which are representative of vineyards, led to pertinent plant responses, in particular concerning hydrous plant reactions in the vine, its vegetative outgrowth, in addition to qualitative characteristics of the harvest.

Related articles…

Polyphenol content examination of Tokaji Aszú wines

We must state that two conditions above are only prevalent in the case when the processed grapes are full or over ripened, besides following the Tokaj wines preparation criterions (grape variety, soil, microclimate, vintage, etc.). These two conditions mentioned before were followed up only sensory based analysis up to now, altough the study of chemical idetified compounds which confirms these are obviuos.

Méthodologie pour application et valorisation des études de terroir dans les caves cooperatives des Côtes du Rhône (France)

L’appellation d’origine contrôlée “Côtes du Rhône” se caractérise par une très forte implantation du mouvement coopératif. Afin de mieux exploiter le potentiel qualitatif de leurs terroirs, plusieurs coopératives élaborent des “cuvées terroir”, résultat des sélections de vendanges provenant de différents secteurs.

Plant biostimulants in combination treatments as environmentally-friendly rest-breaking agents for dormancy release in table grapes Vitis vinifera Crimson Seedless

Context and purpose of the study. Vitis vinifera grapevine is a perennial crop which is globally cultivated, surviving cold winters in temperate zones by entering a state of dormancy.

Mycotoxin accumulation and the possibilities of biological control of wine production quality

Against the background of climate change and the increasing impact of phytopathogenic agents of mycotic origin on the vine favors the appearance and toxicity of mycotoxins in wine.

Mechanisms responsible for different susceptibility of grapevine varieties to flavescence dorée

Flavescence dorée (FD) is the most serious grapevine yellows disease in Europe. It is caused by phytoplasmas which are transmitted from grapevine to grapevine by the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus.