In recent years, heightened awareness of the environmental impact has led to sustainability as a key issue for the winemaking sector.
The wine industry, a key sector for the European Union’s economy, exhibits significant energy consumption, amounting to approximately 1,750 million kWh annually within this geographic context, with major contributions from Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal (Fuentes Pila et al., 2015).
Grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) require precise irrigation to maintain yield and quality, and the increasing use of reclaimed desalinated water for irrigation raises concerns about the accumulation of reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC), a high-salinity byproduct with no sustainable disposal solution.
Oxygen management in wine is one of the most significant challenging issues for winemakers.
Alcoholic fermentation plays a crucial role in the winemaking process. In addition to producing ethanol, it results in the formation of various secondary metabolites that significantly influence the wine’s characteristics.
The wide diffusion of organic cultivation of vineyards and the need to reduce the use of pesticides highlights the urgent need for alternative and sustainable methods of vine protection by pathogen molds.
The exploitation of food by-products has garnered significant attention over the past few decades, particularly within the framework of the European Green Deal.
Context and Purpose of the Study. PIWI grape varieties (Pilzwiderstandsfähig, fungus-resistant) offer innovative solutions for sustainable viticulture by addressing environmental challenges faced by traditional Vitis vinifera.
Pest biocontrol strategies are gaining attention as eco-friendly alternatives to the use of synthetic pesticides, including in viticulture.
Oxidative stability is a critical factor in wine shelf-life. SO₂ is commonly added to wine due to its strong antioxidant activity, although there is a general push to reduce SO₂ use in vinification.
The winery and distilling spirits industry generate a remarkable amount of by-products and wasted, that are not properly managed, posing socioeconomic problems and environmental risks, due to its seasonal and polluting characteristics.