Evaluation of vineyard differential management zones by remote sensing and relationship with productivity and wine quality (cv. Tempranillo) in the A.O. Ribera del Duero

Abstract

This work is carried out during 2016 on a commercial vineyard to evaluate productivity and wine final characteristics in different subplots discriminated against by remote sensing. Our purpose was to characterize vineyard differential management zones by satellite images (Sentinel 2) with 3 different levels of the NDVI index (high, medium and low) on a vineyard of 80 ha located in Aranda de Duero (A.O. Ribera del Duero). The cultivar/rootstock were Tempranillo/110R, training system was vertical shoot positioned trellis, with 3 x 1.3 m vine spacing, with bilateral Royat cordon and spur pruning of 2 buds. The pruning load was based on vigor subarea, being higher in the more vigorous area, as well as the deficit irrigation applied (lower irrigation in high vigour subarea). Cultivation techniques are adjusted depending on the area of the zone (according to the vigour) and on the destination of grapes.  We have checked vegetative and productive agronomic parameters, the content of chlorophyll in the leaves, the characteristics of the grape maturation and its phenolic maturity, from 6 repetitions of 12 vine in each vigour zone. Wine was made out of each 3 sub-zones, and then an organoleptic analysis by tasting was performed. There was a comparison of wines of each sub-area of vigour with the commercial wine produced. The results indicate that there are differences among the zones in the production and other yield and vegetative components. Differences remain between the zone of high vigour and the other two in the must parameters: a better quality was registered for wine produced in the management units of high vigour, with plants in best vegetative state.