terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Late season canopy management practices to reduce sugar loading and improve color profile of Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes and wines in the high irradiance and hot conditions of California Central Valley

Late season canopy management practices to reduce sugar loading and improve color profile of Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes and wines in the high irradiance and hot conditions of California Central Valley

Abstract

Global warming is accelerating grape ripening, leading to unbalanced wines from fruit with high sugar content but poor aroma and colour development. Reducing the size of the photosynthetic apparatus after veraison has been shown to delay technological ripeness in cool climates, but methods have not been tested in areas with high irradiance and temperature where fruit exposure could have disastrous effects on berry composition. In this Cabernet-Sauvignon trial, we compared the application of an antitranspirant (pinolene), to severe canopy topping and above bunch zone leaf removal, all performed at mid-ripening, with an untouched control. We monitored the vines weekly by measuring stem water potential, gas exchange, fruit zone light exposure. We sampled berries to measure berry weight, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, and the anthocyanin profile. At harvest, we assessed yield components, measured carbon isotope discrimination, rated sunburn on clusters, and produced experimental wines. We submitted harvest samples to metabolomic profiling through PFP-Q Exactive MS/MS and wines to sensory analysis. Application of the antitranspirant significantly reduced stomatal conductance and assimilation rate but did not affect the stem water potential. Inversely, leaf removal and topping increased water potential but did not affect leaf gas exchange. The late topping was the only treatment able to decrease sugar content (up to 2Bx), increase titratable acidity and pH, and improve anthocyanin content because of lower degradation of di-hydroxylated forms. Late leaf removal above the bunch zone increased lightning conditions in the canopy and produced the most significant damage on fruits. Yield components were not affected. This work suggests that late-season canopy management can effectively control ripening speeds and improve grapes and wines. Still, the effect on grape exposure in a critical time must be well balanced to avoid problems with the appropriate technique.

Download the PDF

DOI:

Publication date: May 31, 2022

Issue: Terclim 2022

Type: Article

Authors

Luca Brillante1, Miguel Pedroza1, Khushwinder Singh1, Kaylah Vasquez1

1Department of Viticulture & Enology, California State University, Fresno, USA

Contact the author

Keywords

canopy management, antitranspirant, metabolomics, wine sensory, sunburn

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terclim 2022

Citation

Related articles…

Innovative red winemaking strategy: biosurfactant-assisted extraction and stabilization of phenolic compounds

The color is the first attribute perceived by consumers and a major factor determining the quality of red wines. This depends mainly on the content of grape anthocyanins and their extraction into the juice/wine during winemaking. Furthermore, these compounds can undergo reactions that influence the chemical and sensory characteristics of the wine. Monomeric forms are prone to oxidation and adsorption on solid parts.

Read More

Unravel the underlying mechanisms of delaying ripening techniques in grapevine

In a scenario of changing climate conditions, grapevine is significantly affected at multiple levels. Advancements in phenology and berry ripening, however, are the major dynamics of the generalized increase in average temperature and evaporative demand, negatively affecting berry quality and productivity. The aim of this work was to unravel the underlying mechanisms of bunch-zone auxin application (NAA; 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid) and source-limiting canopy management approaches in delaying berry ripening. In randomized block design experiments, control vines were compared to vines treated with NAA, subjected to apical-to-bunch defoliation or antitranspirant application (n=10-to-42 plants per treatment).

Read More

Scientific research for an «Ad Maiora 4.1C» application «A step back towards the future universally sustainable EME4.1C». A concrete example of forward-looking and revolutionary entrepreneurial choices in the vine and wine sector

In 1979 an enlightened and farsighted business owner in an area and in an activity unknown to him and in 120 hectares of land cultivated with corn and wheat expressed to one of us that he wanted to start a business in the wine sector. The first innovative “Vigna Dogarina Scientific Applicative Project” has become famous and harmoniously inserted in and with the “Territoir” of eastern Veneto in northeastern Italy. The revolutionary project allowed one of us: 1. to put into practice results of research related to the applied philosophy, vision, methodology of the “Great MetaEthic Chain 4.1C®” algorithm of the “Conegliano Campus 5.1C®” that considers all material, immaterial, spiritual, technical, economic, environmental, social, existential, relational, ethical, MetaEthical factors with basic indexing in a harmonious chain “ 4.1C®” and application “5.1C®”, 2. to implement:

Read More

Impact of mannoproteins structural features on the colloid stability when facing different kinds of wine polyphenols

The aim was to study the impact of structural features in the polysaccharide moiety of mannoproteins on their interaction with polyphenols and the formation of colloidal aggregates.

Read More

Monitoring arthropods diversity in the “Costières de Nîmes” viticulture landscape

Biodiversity loss in agrosystems is partly due to landscape simplification (field enlargement, hedgerows removal…) that led to a loss of heterogeneity of the overall landscape.

Read More