Abstract

Climate is a major terroir factor in viticulture. In winegrowing regions, climate is studied at an increasingly refined scale. Results from the Life ADVICLIM project show substantial spatial variability of temperatures inside the region of Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and surrounding appellations (Bordeaux, France). In this study we investigated climatic variability at an even more refined scale, inside an 11 ha estate located in Saint-Emilion with significant topographic variability, planted with Merlot and Cabernet franc. Elevation ranges from 34 to 81 meters. 31 temperature sensors were set-up in 2013 inside the canopy, taking into account all parameters linked to the topography. Spatial temperature variability and its influence on vine phenology and grape composition were investigated. Vine water and nitrogen status were also taken into account through δ13C and N-tester measurements. Over the growing season (April 1 through September 30), spatial temperature variability was greater on minimum temperatures (1.6°C) compared to maximum temperatures (1.3°C). Spatial variability in minimum temperature was driven by elevation and slope. Further investigation is required for spatial variability in maximum temperature, which could not be explained by environmental co-variables. Temperature variability among vintages was driven by maximum temperature, while minimum temperature showed little variation from one year to another. The average Winkler Index measured in the canopy ranged from 1774 degree.days to 1978 degree.days. This spatial variability of 204 degree.days can induces potentially 20 days difference in maturity dates. The timing of flowering varied from one vintage to another but inside a given vintage spatial variability was small, and so was variability induced by the cultivar. Veraison dates were highly variable among vintages. Inside a given vintage, spatial variability and cultivar effect were significant. Berry weight was driven by vine water and nitrogen status. Berry malic acid content was impacted by temperature. Vine water and nitrogen status also influenced berry malic acid content. Berry sugar content depended mainly on vine nitrogen status. The grapevine variety influenced berry sugar and malic acid content, as well as berry mass.

Highlights

  • Environmental factors like climate, soil, topography, play an important role on vine development [1] and grape quality potential [2].In this study, climate is analysed at very local scale in an estate of 11.2 ha located in a part of Bordeaux area defined by a pronounced relief and multiple exposures.The distinctive feature of this study is the density of the temperature sensor network: 1 sensor for 0.4 ha which allows to characterize temperatures at the winegrowing estate scale

  • In this study we investigated climatic variability at an even more refined scale, inside an 11 ha estate located in Saint-Emilion with significant topographic variability, planted with Merlot and Cabernet franc

  • Temperature variability among vintages was driven by maximum temperature, while minimum temperature showed little variation from one year to another

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Summary

Introduction

Environmental factors like climate, soil, topography, play an important role on vine development [1] and grape quality potential [2].In this study, climate is analysed at very local scale in an estate of 11.2 ha located in a part of Bordeaux area defined by a pronounced relief and multiple exposures.The distinctive feature of this study is the density of the temperature sensor network: 1 sensor for 0.4 ha which allows to characterize temperatures at the winegrowing estate scale. Environmental factors like climate, soil, topography, play an important role on vine development [1] and grape quality potential [2]. Climate is analysed at very local scale in an estate of 11.2 ha located in a part of Bordeaux area defined by a pronounced relief and multiple exposures. On each parcel equipped with a sensor, phenological stages were monitored as well as grape composition and vine water and nitrogen status. The first objective of this study is to characterize the temperature variability inside a winegrowing estate and to define the environmental parameters that contribute to this spatial distribution. The other major objective is to analyse the parameters which impact vine development and grape composition. The combined effect of soil and climate was investigated through vine water and nitrogen status

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