Possible site-specific effects on wine quality based on various vineyard sites in a heterogeneous area like South Tyrol

Abstract

Many studies show that grapevines develop differently, depending on their growing area. This phenomenon is shown by the different growth behaviour of the plant. Historical price developments in individual wine-growing areas have led to precisely delimited cultivation sites, down to the smallest sites, forming a pedoclimatic unit, which is identified with the term “terroir”or “climat” or simply “vineyard site”. Often a clearly defined and recognizable wine type is attributed to these units. All over the world, great importance in grape cultivation is given to the grapes’ growth habitat and intensive research of the connections between growing area and wine quality is conducted. In this context it must be considered, that the concept of “terroir” (“climat”, vineyard site) comprises all other viticultural measures which - in part of necessity - shape the cultivation of a particular location. Especially in pedoclimatically heterogeneous areas, like for example South Tyrol, it is a great challenge to recognize and evaluate the site-specific effects due to a multitude of variables. Some exemplary site studies illustrate the impact of the vineyard location on the wine quality. The significance of soil characteristics, geographical situation and microclimate conditions is demonstrated. Possible correlations between individual site characteristics and the types of sensory characteristics are presented and the vintage effect relating to the site-specific effect is defined. The site-specific effect is reflected in the wine quality, which means wines of one grape variety produced in different locations, even if they are very close, show different characteristics. Conversely, wines from different and even distant locations, may show some similarities. Generally, the vintage effect is more significant than the site effect. The climatic and geographic parameters, such as sea level, average annual temperature etc., mostly show more incisive effects than the geopedological parameters (pH-value, grain size composition, etc.). In some cases, however, the importance of these variables could be recognized as well. The greatest challenge in pedoclimatically heterogeneous areas, is the grouping of individual sites into a site unit with certain expected wine characteristics and their delimitation.