Ribera Del Duero Research Articles

Assessment of grape volatile composition using fluorescence indices of leaves in vineyards affected by iron chlorosis

Multiplex 330 (MX) is a portable, non-invasive fluorescence sensor that provides different multiparametric indices that are sensitive to the concentration of chlorophylls, flavonols, and anthocyanins on the leaf surface. This study investigated the use of these indices to assess the variability on free volatile composition of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) in the field as well as other components of their quality potential in vineyards affected by iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC). Twenty non-irrigated Tempranillo/110 Richter vineyard subzones from non-affected to moderately affected by IDC were monitored in Ribera del Duero area (Spain) during two seasons. The results indicated that MX can characterize the spatial variation of leaf pigment concentrations, agronomic performance, and grape quality in vineyards affected by IDC. The MX indices measured at the leaf level close to harvest had better predictive values for the concentrations of free alcohols, volatile acids, C13-norisoprenoids, esters and acetates in the must than vine vigor, size or degree of technological maturity of the grapes. Our study demonstrates that the MX indices to estimate leaf pigment concentrations can be helpful to assess the technological maturity and free volatile composition of wine grapes in vineyards affected by IDC; nevertheless, the efficacy of the indexes may vary according to the year season.

Does Ecological Agriculture Moderate the Relationship between Wine Tourism and Economic Performance? A Structural Equation Analysis Applied to the Ribera del Duero Wine Context

The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of wine tourism activity on economic performance in the wine context of Ribera del Duero (Spain), as well as the mediating effect of ecological agriculture on this link. To this end, a conceptual model is proposed based on the literature review carried out and contrasted through structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with data from 263 wineries, which in turn represent the population under study. The study results allow for us to empirically demonstrate the positive and significant relationship of wine tourism on performance, as well as the partial mediation of ecological agriculture in this relationship. The study thus contributes to the academic literature in a remarkable way given that, to our knowledge, there are no previous studies that have addressed the mediating role of ecological agriculture in the wine tourism–economic performance link. However, the research also suffers from certain limitations. In particular, given the relevance of the study, it is necessary to broaden its geographical scope so that, as a future line of research, it is proposed to contextualize the model proposed in the California wine industry, being able to subsequently establish similarities and differences in the Old and New World.

Volatile composition and sensory properties of wines from vineyards affected by iron chlorosis

Recent studies have shown that mild to moderate iron chlorosis can have positive effects on grape quality potential, including volatile profile. The main objective of this work was to investigate, for the first time, how moderate iron stress in grapevines affects the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in wines. The study was carried out during 2018–2019 seasons, in 20 Tempranillo vineyard subzones with different degree of iron deficiency, located in Ribera del Duero (North-Central Spain). The results showed that moderate iron stress increased in wines the concentrations of VOCs associated with floral notes, such as 2-phenylacetaldehyde, 2-phenylethanol and 2-phenylethyl acetate, while reducing the presence of C6-alcohols, responsible for green-herbaceous aroma.A favourable reduction of pH and a betterment of parameters related to colour were detected in wines from iron deficient subzones. Chlorosis incidence was associated to improvements in wine sensory attributes as layer intensity, black fruit and aroma intensity.

Volatile and Non-Volatile Characterization of White and Rosé Wines from Different Spanish Protected Designations of Origin

The quality of wines has often been associated with their geographical area of production, as well as the grape variety used in their elaboration. Many research studies have been carried out to characterize and differentiate between red wines labeled with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from different geographical areas, but very few have been carried out on white and rosé wines. The objective of this work was to characterize white and rosé PDO wines from different geographical areas of Spain very close to each other elaborated with different grape varieties and select the variables that most contribute to their differentiation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used as statistical methods. The ethanol content was the nonvolatile variable that most contributed to differentiating between some of the white and rosé wines according to their PDO. The white wines from RD (Ribera del Duero) and BI (Bierzo) were characterized by a high terpenic content (floral notes) while the wines from RU (Rueda), TO (Toro) and CI (Cigales)by a high content of ethyl esters and alcohol acetates (fruity aromas). The rosé wines elaborated with the Mencía grape variety from BI were characterized by their highest polysaccharidic content, which could have a positive sensory effect on the mouthfeel. The rosé wines from CI were characterized by their volatile profile complexity, having the highest content of volatile compounds from the oak wood, terpenes and C6 alcohols which provide pleasant woody, floral and herbaceous aromas. On the contrary, the RD wines were richest in alcohol acetates responsible for fruity aromas.

Aroma composition of Tempranillo grapes as affected by iron deficiency chlorosis and vine water status

Water deficit and iron nutritional deficiency (iron chlorosis) are frequent environmental stresses affecting grapevine production in the Mediterranean region. The objectives of this work were (i) to study the combined effects of both stresses on aromatic profile of Tempranillo grapes, occurring simultaneously in the vineyard, and (ii) to evaluate the viability of foliar chlorophyll content at veraison (Chl) to early assess aromatic quality potential of grapes in those conditions. Twenty non-irrigated vineyard subzones (10 m × 10 m each), affected and non-affected by iron chlorosis, were monitored in Ribera del Duero Appellation of Origin (North-Central Spain) during two consecutive seasons. Factorial ANOVA was performed to study the effects of predawn leaf water potential and Chl measured at veraison on the must composition parameters and, specifically, on the concentrations of free and bound aromatic compounds. Water deficit tended to increase color intensity and extractable anthocyanin content of the grapes, whereas the incidence of iron deficiency enhanced total phenolic compound content within subzones with better water status. More water or iron stressed subzones restricted C6-alcohols contents than less stressed subzones. Without significant effects on vine vigor, yield or berry size, the incidence of iron chlorosis increased the concentrations of some specific terpenes, C13-norisoprenoids, volatile acids and volatile phenols. These results showed that low to moderate iron stress can have positive effects on grape aromatic quality, and demonstrated that Chl can be a useful tool in precision viticulture to map the aromatic potential within rainfed vineyards affected by iron chlorosis.

Viticulture in Aranda de Duero: The start of a crisis, 1580-1612. Thoughts on a memoir by José de Medina Mercado.

José de Medina Mercado, regidor de Aranda de Duero y poseedor de un vínculo y patronato, fue un importante cosechero, perteneciente a la élite política, social y económica de esta importante villa. Le atribuimos la autoría de una Memoria que contiene una serie casi continua de apuntes sobre el clima, las cosechas y los distintos precios a los que se vendía el vino. Esta información nos servirá para plantear de forma más precisa la evolución de la viticultura en la Ribera del Duero en un periodo en que se está produciendo el cambio de tendencia hacia la crisis del siglo XVII.

Relationships between chlorophyll content of vine leaves, predawn leaf water potential at veraison, and chemical and sensory attributes of wine.

Water deficit and iron deficiency (iron chlorosis) are common environmental stresses that affect grapevine production in the Mediterranean area. Studies on the impact of both stresses, when they act simultaneously, are rare. The main objective of this investigation was to evaluate the combined effects of the incidence of iron chlorosis and the vine water status on quality of Tempranillo wine. For this, 20 non-irrigated vineyard subzones (10 m × 10 m each), from non-affected to moderately affected by iron chlorosis, were monitored in the Ribera del Duero area (north-central Spain) during two consecutive seasons. Factorial analyses of variance were performed to study the effects of predawn leaf water potential and foliar chlorophyll content, both measured at veraison, on chemical and sensory characteristics of wine. With an impact much greater than water status, the incidence of iron stress decreased pH of the wine and enhanced sensory attributes as tonality, layer intensity, flavour intensity, and persistence in the mouth. There were increases in red colour, astringency, and persistence of the wine associated with chlorosis, although they might be restricted in water-deficit conditions. The results have demonstrated that mild to moderate iron stress can have positive effects on chemical and sensory attributes of Tempranillo wine. Measurements of foliar chlorophyll content at veraison could be very useful to map quality potential in rainfed vineyards affected by iron deficiency. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Combined effects of water status and iron deficiency chlorosis on grape composition in non-irrigated vineyards

ABSTRACT: Although water deficit and iron deficiency chlorosis are common environmental stresses in the Mediterranean area, few data are reported in the literature on their effects on vineyards, when acting simultaneously. The main objective of this research was to study the combined effects of iron deficiency and water status on vigor, yield and fruit composition in rainfed vineyards. Moreover, the investigation aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using foliar chlorophyll content (Chl) and predawn leaf water potential (LWP), measured at veraison, to assess potential quality of grapes in the framework of precision viticulture. For this, 24 non-irrigated ‘Tempranillo’ vineyard subzones were monitored in Ribera del Duero (North-Central Spain) during three consecutive seasons (2011-2013). The analysis of variance and principal component analysis showed that malic acid concentrations of the must were impacted only by Chl, whereas total soluble solids and total acidity were mainly modified by LWP. Both water and iron status reduced yield and berry weight and had additive effects on extractable anthocyanin content in grapes, total polyphenol index and color density of the must. In all seasons, the ratio Chl/LWP had a better predicting value for quality parameters of these grapes than leaf area index, Chl or LWP individually. The present work demonstrates the potential interest of physiological indexes combining water status and foliar chlorosis as indicators of grape phenolic potential in rainfed vineyards affected by iron deficiency.

Relationships between Cabernet Sauvignon phenology and climate in two Spanish viticultural regions: observations and predicted future changes

AbstractThe aim of the current research is to analyse potential changes in the phenology of Cabernet Sauvignon under future climate change scenarios. The study compares results from two areas with different climatic conditions in Spain: Ribera del Duero and Penedès. Phenology data for budbreak (BB), bloom (BL), veraison (V) and maturity (M) were analysed for the period 2004–2015 in Ribera del Duero and for 1996–2012 in Penedès. Thermal requirements to initiate the growing cycle and to reach each phenological event were evaluated. Simulated data of changes in climate from eight models provided by Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) of Spain, and for two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) (greenhouse gas concentration trajectories) – RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 by 2030, 2050 and 2070 were used. Differences of approximately 6 days for BL and about 12 days, on average, for V existed between the two areas. Based on the predicted changes of temperature and the accumulated degree days needed to reach each stage, future changes in phenology were modelled. The results indicate potentially greater changes in the warmer region (Penedès), particularly for the later growth stages, which is in agreement with greater temperature increases in Penedès. The advance of BB, BL, V and M by 2070 could be up to 5, 11, 17 and 24 days, respectively, under the RCP4.5 emission trajectory, and up to 50% higher in some stages under the RCP8.5 emission trajectory.

Phenology of Tempranillo and Cabernet-Sauvignon varieties cultivated in the Ribera del Duero DO: observed variability and predictions under climate change scenarios

Aim: This research examined relationships between grapevine phenology and climate in the Ribera del Duero DO (Spain). The observed varieties included Tempranillo, the main variety planted in the region, and Cabernet-Sauvignon.Methods and Results: Phenological events for stages C (budbreak), I (bloom), M (véraison) and N (maturity) were analyzed for 2004-2015. Dormant period chilling and late winter heating requirements to initiate growth were evaluated and accumulated temperature (growing degree days-GDD) prior to each phenological event and in between events were examined for the role they play in influencing growth timing. The results were then used to examine future phenological changes due to climate change using eight models integrated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and for two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) scenarios – RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 – for 2030, 2050, and 2070. Accumulated temperatures after March 20th become important for initiating phenology and are strongly correlated to all growth events. The influence of water availability between budbreak and bloom and between bloom and véraison on phenological timing was also confirmed.Conclusions: The projections showed that for the RCP4.5 emission scenario, budbreak is predicted earlier by approximately 2 days for 2030, 3 days for 2050 and 5 days for 2070, while bloom is predicted to be 3 to 8 days earlier and véraison 6 to 19 days earlier for the same time periods. For the RCP8.5 emission scenario, budbreak is modeled to take place about 3 days, 5 days and 9 days earlier, respectively for 2030, 2050 and 2070. Bloom is predicted to occur about 5, 10 and 16 days earlier; véraison is predicted earlier by 10 days for 2030, 19 days for 2050, and 28 days for 2070. Maturity and the timing of harvest could be up to 23 days earlier under the RCP4.5 emission scenario and up to 35 days earlier under the RCP8.5 emission scenario. Compared to Cabernet-Sauvignon, Tempranillo exhibited greater phenological sensitivity to temperature changes in the observed time period that is likely to continue into the future with greater changes to earlier growth events projected. This sensitivity could be problematic for the region due to the variety’s historic importance and points to the need to examine adaptive measures that can help growers to respond to projected changes in climate.Significance and impact of the study: The projected climate changes in the future indicate the potential for significant changes in the phenology of Tempranillo in the Ribera del Duero DO, Spain. Given that this variety has the largest contribution and importance in this region, these changes could have impacts on wine quality, indicating the need of establishing strategies to reduce or mitigate the impact from future changes in climate.

Effects of adults body size and larvae diet on the fecundity and percent fertility of eggs laid by Xylotrechus arvicola (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) females, insect pest in Spanish vineyards

AbstractXylotrechus arvicola is a pest of grape in some vine‐producing regions of the Iberian Peninsula. Biological parameters and relationships (fecundity and percent fertility of eggs in relationship to body size) of females obtained in the laboratory and captured in vineyards were studied. In laboratory conditions, the mean developmental time of larvae ranged from 384 to 392 days and pupal stage varied between 12 to 14 days. Body size (BS) of X. arvicola females was significantly bigger than males. Fecundity was greater in the laboratory (147 eggs) than in the field (50 eggs) females, but the percent fertility of the laboratory eggs was lower (16 eggs). Laboratory females showed a bigger relationship between the production of eggs and BS than females captured in vineyards. Wild females (PDO Ribera del Duero and Tierra de León) had a positive relationship between the percent fertility of eggs and the BS. No correlation between the percent fertility of eggs and the BS was displayed by females captured in PDO Toro, but these females had a higher percent fertility (53 eggs) than the others PDO's. These biological parameters and relationships studied suggest that the artificial diet may lack certain essential nutrients that vine varieties can provide that favor the fertility of eggs. This explains why wild females have the potential to become a problem pest in the Tempranillo grape variety, with bilateral cordon and bush vines training systems that have the highest incidence of this cerambycid.

The redefinition of gender roles in immigrant women: the importance of local spaces in global processes

ABSTRACTIn today’s complex, intercultural, transnational, glocalized world, linking conceptual analyses and theoretical representations to the empirical study of female migration also requires, among other aspects, acknowledging the importance of the arrival context in the redefinition of gender roles, since it operates as an area of opportunity or containment mainly due to a number of specific features, which interacts with women’s economic, cultural and social capital, to produce different results in the situation of migrant women. The context of arrival and the subjects, conceived of as actors inserted in social structures where they have scope for action, is the focus of our analysis. This article addresses this issue through the study of two cases of migrant women in different contexts. One of the women is a Mexican migrant who settled in Sonoma County California in the US, and the other a Bulgarian who arrived in Ribera del Duero in the Autonomous Community of Castile and León in Spain. The research used mixed methods, which included the review of various censuses and documentary sources, ethnographic fieldwork and the qualitative technique of the life story to undertake the case studies.

Lowering histamine formation in a red Ribera del Duero wine (Spain) by using an indigenous O. oeni strain as a malolactic starter

This study demonstrates for the first time that a non-commercial selected autochthonous O. oeni strain has been used to conduct malolactic fermentation (MLF) while lowering histamine formation in the same winery. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from 13 vats before and after spontaneous MLF at the Pago de Carraovejas winery from the Ribera del Duero region (Spain). Only O. oeni were present, typed and characterized, and both histamine producer and non-producers existed. From the non-producers, one strain was selected to become a starter according to its genetic profile, prevalence in the different wines in the winery, resistance to alcoholic degree, resistance to high polyphenolic content, inability to synthesise histamine, growth kinetics and malolactic activity. This starter was produced at semi-industrial levels to inoculate 20,000L of Tempranillo red wine. The inoculated vat showed 5-fold less histamine than the non-inoculated control vat. After 1year, the barrel-ageing histamine concentrations were 3-fold lower in the inoculated vat than in the non-inoculated vat.

Relationships between Water Status, Leaf Chlorophyll Content and Photosynthetic Performance in Tempranillo Vineyards

The aims of this work were (i) to study the relationships between leaf water potential, foliar chlorophyll content and photosynthetic performance of grapevines under field conditions, and (ii) to evaluate the feasibility of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters to assess water status in commercial vineyards. During three consecutive seasons (2011 to 2013), 20 non-irrigated “Tempranillo” vineyard subzones were monitored in Ribera del Duero, Spain. Data on foliar chlorophyll content, midday and predawn leaf water potential, net assimilation and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured at fruit set, pre-veraison and veraison. The results show that the water potential indicated weak to moderate stress in the study years and decreased along the vegetative cycle, while foliar chlorophyll contents showed an increasing trend. The correlation between both variables was not consistent. Linear regression of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in dark-adapted leaves, Fo, Fv and Fv/Fm, over chlorophyll content was strong in all the study years (higher determination coefficients for Fv/Fm at fruit set in 2012 and 2013). In general, the water potential with low coefficients of variation showed a low effect on photosynthesis activity, although values in variables such as Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm, Fs/Fo and ΦPSII registered an increasing trend when midday leaf water potential decreased in the pre-veraison and veraison stages. These variables could be useful to estimate water status in commercial vineyards for application in precision viticulture.

Analysis of temperature-mediated changes in the wine yeast Saccharomyces bayanus var uvarum. An oenological study of how the protein content influences wine quality.

Saccharomyces bayanus var. uvarum plays an important role in the fermentation of red wine from the D.O. Ribera del Duero. This is due to the special organoleptic taste that this yeast gives the wines and their ability to ferment at low temperature. To determine the molecular factors involved in the fermentation process at low temperature, a differential proteomic approach was performed by using 2D-DIGE, comparing, qualitatively and quantitatively, the profiles obtained at 13 and 25°C. A total of 152 protein spots were identified. We detected proteins upregulated at 13°C that were shown to be related to temperature stress, the production of aromatic compounds involved in the metabolism of amino acids, and the production of fusel alcohols and their derivatives, each of which is directly related to the quality of the wines. To check the temperature effects, an aromatic analysis by GC-MS was performed. The proteomic and "aromatomic" results are discussed in relation to the oenological properties of S. bayanus var. uvarum.

Told through the wine: A liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry interplatform comparison reveals the influence of the global approach on the final annotated metabolites in non-targeted metabolomics

This work focuses on the influence of the selected LC-HRMS platform on the final annotated compounds in non-targeted metabolomics. Two platforms that differed in columns, mobile phases, gradients, chromatographs, mass spectrometers (Orbitrap [Platform#1] and Q-TOF [Platform#2]), data processing and marker selection protocols were compared. A total of 42 wines samples from three different protected denomination of origin (PDO) were analyzed. At the feature level, good (O)PLS-DA models were obtained for both platforms (Q2[Platform#1]=0.89, 0.83 and 0.72; Q2[Platform#2]=0.86, 0.86 and 0.77 for Penedes, Ribera del Duero and Rioja wines respectively) with 100% correctly classified samples in all cases. At the annotated metabolite level, platforms proposed 9 and 8 annotated metabolites respectively which were identified by matching standards or the MS/MS spectra of the compounds. At this stage, there was no coincidence among platforms regarding the suggested metabolites. When screened on the raw data, 6 and 5 of these compounds were detected on the other platform with a similar trend. Some of the detected metabolites showed complimentary information when integrated on biological pathways. Through the use of some examples at the annotated metabolite level, possible explanations of this initial divergence on the results are presented. This work shows the complications that may arise on the comparison of non-targeted metabolomics platforms even when metabolite focused approaches are used in the identification.

Phenology and grape ripening characteristics of cv Tempranillo within the Ribera del Duero designation of origin (Spain): Influence of soil and plot characteristics

The aim of this research was to evaluate the variability of phenology and ripening characteristics of the Tempranillo variety within the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin (Spain). This area covers approximately 115km along the Duero River, where Tempranillo is the main variety cultivated. The analysis included the information recorded during the period 2004–2013 in 20 plots for phenology dates and 26 plots for grape characteristics. The variability in soil, phenology, grape quality and plot characteristics throughout the Ribera del Duero DO as well as their relationships were evaluated using multivariate analysis. Four different groups of plots were characterized as distinct from each other, with differences in elevation, distance to the Duero River and soil type. The differences in phenology among groups started during flowering and were observed through the end of the growth cycle. Despite the high phenological variability driven by year to year variations in climate characteristics, it was possible to define the soil and plot characteristics that favor advanced phenology within the Ribera del Duero DO. Regarding grape ripening characteristics, the highest acidity and anthocyanin concentrations were found in plots with soils with higher clay and organic matter content. The effect was greater in the wet and intermediate years, than in dry years. High variability in phenology and ripening characteristics is found within the Ribera del Duero related to site soil and landscape characteristics, and from year to year due to climatic conditions. Zones with common characteristics and similar response have been identified within the area. The results highlight the potential of establishing viticultural zones with differences in vineyard treatment and management and the elaboration of site specific wine styles from those zones.

Characterization of grape seed oil from wines with protected denomination of origin (PDO) from Spain

The aim of this study was to determine the composition and characteristics of red grape seed oils (Vitis vinifera L) from wines with protected denomination of origin (PDO) from Spain. Eight representative varieties of grape seed oils from the Spanish wine Ribera del Duero (Tempranillo), Toro (Tempranillo), Rioja (Garnacha), Valencia (Tempranillo) and Cangas (Mencia, Carrasquin, Albarin and Verdejo) were studied. The oil content of the seeds ranged from 13.89 to 10.18%, and the moisture was similar for all the seeds. Linoleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in all samples, representing around 78%, followed by oleic acid with a concentration close 16%, the degree of unsaturation in the grape seed oil was over 90%. β-sitosterol and α-tocopherol were the main sterol and tocopherol, reaching values of 77.31% and 3.82 mg·100 g−1 of oil, respectively. In relation to the tocotrienols, α-tocotrienol was the main tocotrienol and accounted for 13.18 mg·100 g−1 of oil.

Market segmentation in wine tourism: strategies for wineries and destinations in Spain

Although Spain is a traditional wine-producing area, there is little research on its wine tourism segmentation in comparison to that carried out in New World countries. The main aim of this paper is to identify the different segments of wine tourists that visit Spanish wineries. This research makes a theoretical and practical contribution to both the literature on the segmentation of wine tourists and segmentation techniques. The empirical analysis was carried out in the five Spanish denominations of origin with the largest market shares (Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Navarra, Rueda and La Mancha) and was based on a survey of 598 tourists. The latent class segmentation technique was used for the analysis, and four segments of wine tourists were obtained according to subjective and objective variables. This paper demonstrates how the a posteriori technique of segmentation can be applied in wine tourism research. The findings may provide the managers of wineries and destination management organizations with an important instrument when making strategic decisions.

Spatial and temporal variability of cv. Tempranillo phenology and grape quality within the Ribera del Duero DO (Spain) and relationships with climate.

The aim of this work was to analyze spatial phenology and grape quality variability related to the climatic characteristics within the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin (DO). Twenty plots planted with cv. Tempranillo and distributed within the DO were analyzed for phenology from 2004 to 2013. Grape quality parameters at ripening (berry weight, sugar content, acidity and pH, and anthocyanins) were analyzed in 26 plots for the period 2003-2013. The relationships between phenology and grape parameters with different climatic variables were confirmed with a multivariate analysis. On average, bud break was April 27(th), bloom June 17(th), and veraison August 12th. However, phenology during the time period showed high variability, with differences between years of up to 21 days for a phenology stage. The earliest dates were observed in dry years (2005, 2006, and to a lesser degree in 2009) while the later phenology dates occurred in the wettest year of the period (2008). High correlations were found between veraison date and temperature variables as well as with precipitation-evapotranspiration recorded during the bloom-veraison period. These effects tended to be higher in the central part of the DO. Grape quality parameters also showed high variability among the dry and the wet years, and the influence of extreme temperatures on color development as well as the effect of available water on acidity were observed.