Wine Research Articles

Precision viticulture: Automatic selection of the regions of interest from moving wagon hyperspectral images of grapes for efficient SSC prediction

Precision viticulture is increasingly being applied to automate and optimize grape production in the vineyard. This paper describes the development of a method for automatic selection of regions of interest from hyperspectral images obtained of a row of vines and intended for prediction of soluble solids content. For this purpose, a dataset consisting of hyperspectral images of a row of ‘Sangiovese’ wine grapes was adopted. Hyperspectral images were acquired directly in the field by means of a hyperspectral imaging Vis/NIR system (400–1000 nm) mounted on a ground-based vehicle. The analyses were carried out on 17 different days, under clear or partly cloudy conditions, in the period between post-veraison and harvest. The vineyard row of Sangiovese vines was divided into 11 sections and a hyperspectral image for each section for each day of analysis was acquired. The regions of interest of the hyperspectral images, comprising the areas representing the grapes, were selected using a PLS-DA-based method. The best PLS-DA model provided excellent results, with sensitivity and specificity values of 0.991 and 0.996, respectively. The mean spectra of the selected regions of interest (ROI) were finally used to predict the soluble solids content (SSC) of the grapes by PLS regression to a primary reference analysis. The results of SSC predictions using the automatic selection of ROIs (R2CV = 0.74 and RMSECV = 0.86 °Brix) were on par with similar regression based on carefully manual selection of ROIs (R2CV = 0.73 and RMSECV = 0.87 °Brix).

Geospatial Approaches to Improve Water Availability through Demand Assessment in Agriculture Based on Treated Wastewater: A Case Study of Weinstadt, Baden-Württemberg

The sustainable management of water scarcity is a globally crucial issue. Germany has established efficient water management systems, but the agricultural sector still struggles with water scarcity as the demand surpasses the available water supply. In this work, the primary aim was to establish a framework for making water accessible for irrigation and additional use in households through the effective utilization of recycled water from wastewater treatment facilities. The research inquiries were focused on evaluating the changes in the CROPWAT agricultural irrigation model, determining the spatial distribution of zonal severity, estimating the capacity of urban roof catchments, and evaluating the economic value addition of retreated water from the existing wastewater treatment plant supply. According to the findings, the annual amount of water required for agriculture in the designated study location is approximately 2.9 million m3. Although there is no initial need for irrigation water, the demand for irrigation water increases during the development, active growth, and mature stages of maize, winter wheat, and wine grapes, reaching around 189 mm, 223 mm, and 63 mm, respectively. According to our observations, the annual water supply in Weinstadt is around 4 million m3. On the other hand, the compensated volume of water to the current water supply calculated from the urban roof rainfall is estimated to be 0.8 million m3, which is considered valuable from an economic standpoint. This economically efficient volume of water would reduce the current treated water supply, which indicates an opportunity for enhanced agricultural irrigation.

Isolation, selection and characterisation of microorganisms with potential to form unique consortium for wine production

This paper focuses on a selection of microorganisms that should eventually form a Defined Consortium of Wine Microorganisms. The consortium might serve as a sophisticated oenological product for the production of wine with attractive organoleptic features. The Defined Consortium of Wine Microorganisms was obtained from non-saccharomyces and saccharomyces yeasts and lactic acid bacteria isolated from places where autochthonous microflora can be expected to occur (grape berries, wine lees or cellar spaces). A total of 42 microorganisms were obtained by surface smears, fallouts from the air or isolation from fermented must. All isolates were then tested and the best strains were selected on the basis of technological and phenotypic characterization using standard microbiological techniques. The main criteria for the selection of strains were the ability to ferment and the production of organoleptically active compounds. Sulphur dioxide or ethanol tolerance, β-glucosidase activity, a taxonomic identification, the tendency to produce sulphane or the ability of lactic acid bacteria to perform malolactic fermentation were also considered. According to these results, the non-saccharomyces yeast Starmerella bacillaris, the saccharomyces yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the lactic acid bacterium Levilactobacillus brevis were selected as part of the Defined Consortium of Wine Microorganisms.

Impact of wine-grape continuous cropping on soil enzyme activity and the composition and function of the soil microbial community in arid areas.

Continuous cropping affected the stability of soil enzyme activity and the structural characteristics of microbial community. Owing to challenges in the study of complex rhizosphere microbial communities, the composition and function of these microbial communities in farmland ecosystems remain elusive. Here, we studied the microbial communities of the rhizosphere of wine grapes with different years of continuous cropping and investigated their relationships with soil enzyme activity. Metagenomic sequencing was conducted on the rhizosphere soils from one uncultivated wasteland and four vineyards with varying durations of continuous cropping. The predominant microbial were bacteria (98.39%), followed by archaea (1.15%) and eukaryotes (0.45%). Continuous cropping caused a significant increase in the relative abundance of Rhizobiales and Micrococcales but a marked decrease in Solirubrobacterales. At the genus level, 75, 88, 65, 132, and 128 microbial genera were unique to uncultivated wasteland, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of continuous cropping, respectively. The relative abundance of genes with signal transduction function was the highest. The activity of all enzymes measured in this study peaked at 5 years of continuous cropping, and then decreased with 10 to 15 year of continuous cropping, but increased at 20 years again. In addition, soil enzyme activity, especially of alkaline phosphatase was significantly correlated with the diversity of the dominant microorganisms at the genus level. Moreover, the coupled enzyme activities had a greater impact on the diversity of the microbial community than that of individual enzymes. Our findings reveal the composition and function of the soil microbial communities and enzymes activity in response to changes in cropping years, which has important implications for overcoming continuous cropping obstacles and optimizing land use.

Exploring the role of biochar and Fe2O3 in mitigating copper and zinc bioavailability in co-composting of pig manure and wine grape pomace

This research aimed to investigate the distinct roles of biochar and Fe2O3 in the passivation of Cu and Zn during the co-composting of pig manure (PM) and wine grape pomace (WGP). The findings revealed that Fe2O3 and biochar achieved Cu and Zn passivation rates of 39.8% and 14.7%, and 52.0% and 20.4% respectively. However, combining biochar and Fe2O3 resulted in lower passivation rates of 31.1% for Cu and 17.6% for Zn, attributed to 36% to 39% inhibition of heavy metal-resistant core colonies, Pseudoxanthomonas and Chelatococcus. Simultaneously, biochar-enriched compost demonstrated a higher content of carboxylic and phenolic hydroxyl groups in humic acid than Fe2O3. Furthermore, dominant genera like Pseudomonas and Corynebacterium, along with certain microbial metabolic activities, were found to positively influence Zn passivation. These results could guide the use of the biochar and Fe2O3 and contribute to a deeper understanding of the Cu/Zn passivation pathways in phenol-rich waste composting.

Site-Directed Mutagenesis of VvCYP76F14 (Cytochrome P450) Unveils Its Potential for Selection in Wine Grape Varieties Linked to the Development of Wine Bouquet.

Bouquet is a fascinating wine characteristic that serves as an indicator of wine quality, developing during the aging process. The multifunctional monoterpenol oxidase VvCYP76F14 in wine grapes sequentially catalyzes three reactions to produce (E)-8-carboxylinalool, a crucial precursor for wine bouquet. Previous studies indicated that the activity of VvCYP76F14 derived from different wine grape varieties did not correlate with the amino acid sequence differences. In this study, 54 wine grape varieties were categorized into neutral, aromatic, and full-bodied types based on the sequence differences of VvCYP76F14, closely correlated with the content of wine lactone precursors. Computer modeling and molecular docking analysis of the full-bodied CYP76F14 revealed 17, 19, and 18 amino acid residues in the VvCYP76F14-linalool, VvCYP76F14-(E)-8-hydroxylinalool, and VvCYP76F14-(E)-8-oxolinalool complexes, respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro enzyme activity analysis confirmed the substitutions of the key amino acid residues in neutral and aromatic varieties. Notably, the D299 mutation of VvCYP76F14 resulted in the complete loss of (E)-8-oxolinalool and (E)-8-carboxylinalool activities, aligning with the undetectable levels of (E)-8-oxolinalool and (E)-8-carboxylinalool in "Yantai 2-3-37", which harbors the D299T substitution. Favorably, VvCYP76F14 could serve as a cost-effective fingerprint marker for screening superior hybrid offspring with the desired levels of wine lactone precursors.

Identifying wine grape aromatic maturity using e-nose and GC-MS: the case of Nerello Mascalese grapes from two contrade of the Etna area

A study of aromatic maturity of Nerello Mascalese grapes from two districts (“Contrade”) of the Etna area was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electronic nose (E-nose). To validate our hypothesis regarding the potential use of E-nose for aromatic maturity, two vineyards with different characteristics (08 Alto and Solicchiata) were used. Grapes were sampled at 18°, 21° and 23°Brix. Regarding the phenol maturity index, total anthocyanins reached a peak at the second sampling in 08 Alto grapes, while in Solicchiata they constantly increased. The ratio total anthocyanins: total polyphenols in 08 Alto grapes increased from 0.14 to 0.33, and in Solicchiata from 0.17 to 0.23. As regards grape volatile organic compounds (GVOCs) for the aromatic maturity index, in Solicchiata the concentrations of glycosylated benzenoids and C13-norisoprenoids were much higher than in 08 Alto, and the concentration decreased during maturity (opposite trend to the anthocyanins); by contrast, in 08 Alto, concentrations peaked at the second sampling time (as with the anthocyanins). The E-nose results did not completely coincide with the GVOCs pattern, but they discriminated the maturity stages very well. However, the different metallo-porphyrins responded differently depending on the class of GVOCs, highlighting very promising results in terms of GVOCs non-destructive prediction by means of principal component regression (PCR) application. E-nose shows potential for easy use with rapid PCR for the monitoring of the aromatic maturity of Nerello Mascalese grapes.

Using ethanol as postharvest treatment to increase polyphenols and anthocyanins in wine grape

Red wine grapes are qualitatively evaluated for their content in polyphenols and anthocyanins. Due to certain conditions (weather, latitude, temperature), the concentration of these compounds may be not at the right level for reaching a high-quality wine, thus postharvest technologies can be operated as a remediation strategy. Ethanol is a secondary volatile metabolite and its application has been demonstrated to delay fruit ripening, to reduce decay, and to increase secondary metabolites. The present study investigates the effects of ethanol post-harvest application on wine grapes’ metabolism and composition. Red wine grapes (Vitis Vinifera L. cv Aglianico) were exposed to different ethanol doses (0.25, 0.5, or 1 mL L−1) for 12, 24, or 36 h. Ethanol increased sugar concentration, malic acid, free amino nitrogen, polyphenols, and anthocyanins. Particularly, anthocyanins reached an average value of 1820 mg/L in treated samples versus the 1200 mg/L of control grapes already after 12 h whatever the concentration was. Moreover, the highest concentration of ethanol modified berry metabolism shifting from aerobic to anaerobic one. Obtained results suggest that 12 h of ethanol postharvest treatment could be an interesting solution to improve anthocyanins in wine grapes, especially when the quality is not as good as expected.

Bee diversity and abundance in perennial irrigated crops and adjacent habitats in central Washington state

Abstract Pollinators are critical to ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. Endemic bee diversity and abundance among different crops has not been extensively studied, especially among perennial crops in Washington state. The goals of this study were to characterize bee genera diversity in south central Washington state, determine the abundance and diversity of bees among crop types, and determine if farming practices influence abundance and diversity by comparing bee diversity in managed agricultural sites to adjacent unmanaged, natural sites. This study investigated bee genera diversity and abundance in blueberry fields produced under organic certification programs, conventionally produced Concord juice and wine grape vineyards, conventionally produced spearmint and peppermint fields, and conventionally produced hopyards. The majority of bees found in the study were ground-nesting. Mint fields had the highest pollinator abundance and richness. In general, there was a greater abundance, diversity, and richness of bees found in unmanaged compared with managed sites. This indicates that areas of high agricultural intensity have relatively low bee genera abundance and diversity.

Geographical location influence ‘Cabernet Franc’ fruit quality in Shandong province

Grape quality is a key factor in determining wine quality, and it depends not only on management skills, but also on the geographic location of the producing area. In China, Shandong is the province with the largest wine production, and ‘Cabernet Franc’ is widely planted. This study evaluated the ‘Cabernet Franc’ fruit quality in relation to geographical conditions in five ‘Cabernet Franc’ producing districts of Shandong province, China, including Dezhou Aodeman Winery (DZ), Tai’an Zhongqingsongshi Winery (TA), Penglai Longhu Winery (PL), Rushan Taiyihu Winery (RS), and Rizhao Taiyangcheng Winery (RZ). At the time of veraison and maturity, fruit was harvested from five areas, and compared for cosmetic and internal fruit quality. The soluble sugar content in the Rizhao area was rich, and the weight and volume of single fruit were relatively large. The titratable acid of the berries in Tai'an area was high. RNA-seq analysis showed that the number of genes in the véraison stage was 19,571–20,750, and the number of genes in the mature stage was 19,176–20,735. The analysis found that areas with multiple high-quality characteristics tended to have more DEGs (differential expressed genes). And the DEGs in different areas were mainly distributed on chromosome 7, and at least on chromosome 15. DEGs in 5 areas were enriched on 855 GO terms and 116 KEGG pathways during berries development. Among them, it was found that the up/down-regulation of DEGs was related to the formation of berry quality, which helps to explain the impact of environment on grape quality components. In summary, this study is helpful to understand the influence of cultivation location on the quality of 'Cabernet Franc' in different production areas in Shandong province, and further provide a reference for the production of high-quality wine grapes and winemaking.

Impact Assessment of Climate Change on Hailstorm Risk in Spanish Wine Grape Crop Insurance: Insights from Linear and Quantile Regressions

There is growing concern that climate change poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the insurance business. Understanding whether climate warming is a cause for an increase in claims and losses, and how this cause–effect relationship will develop in the future, are two significant open questions. In this article, we answer both questions by particularizing the geographical area of Spain, and a precise risk, hailstorm in crop insurance in the line of business of wine grapes. We quantify climate change using the Spanish Actuarial Climate Index (SACI). We utilize a database containing all the claims resulting from hail risk in Spain from 1990 to 2022. With homogenized data, we consider as dependent variables the monthly number of claims, the monthly number of loss costs equal to one, and the monthly total losses. The independent variable is the monthly Spanish Actuarial Climate Index (SACI). We attempt to explain the former through the latter using regression and quantile regression models. Our main finding is that climate change, as measured by the SACI, explains these three dependent variables. We also provide an estimate of the increase in the monthly total losses’ Value at Risk, corresponding to a future increase in climate change measured in units of the SACI. Spanish crop insurance managers should carefully consider these conclusions in their decision-making process to ensure the sustainability of this line of business in the future.

Fungal Endophytes: Discovering What Lies within Some of Canada's Oldest and Most Resilient Grapevines.

Plant diseases and pests reduce crop yields, accounting for global crop losses of 30% to 50%. In conventional agricultural production systems, these losses are typically controlled by applying chemical pesticides. However, public pressure is mounting to curtail agrochemical use. In this context, employing beneficial endophytic microorganisms is an increasingly attractive alternative to the use of conventional chemical pesticides in agriculture. A multitude of fungal endophytes are naturally present in plants, producing enzymes, small peptides, and secondary metabolites due to their bioactivity, which can protect hosts from pathogens, pests, and abiotic stresses. The use of beneficial endophytic microorganisms in agriculture is an increasingly attractive alternative to conventional pesticides. The aim of this study was to characterize fungal endophytes isolated from apparently healthy, feral wine grapes in eastern Canada that have grown without agrochemical inputs for decades. Host plants ranged from unknown seedlings to long-lost cultivars not widely propagated since the 1800s. HPLC-MS was used to identify unique endophyte-derived chemical compounds in the host plants, while dual-culture competition assays showed a range in endophytes' ability to suppress the mycelial growth of Botrytis, which is typically controlled in viticulture with pesticides. Twelve of the most promising fungal endophytes isolated were identified using multilocus sequencing and morphology, while DNA barcoding was employed to identify some of their host vines. These fungal endophyte isolates, which consisted of both known and putative novel strains, belonged to seven genera in six families and five orders of Ascomycota. Exploring the fungal endophytes in these specimens may yield clues to the vines' survival and lead to the discovery of novel biocontrol agents.

Coumarins in Spirit Beverages: Sources, Quantification, and Their Involvement in Quality, Authenticity and Food Safety

This comprehensive review is devoted to an under-exploited family of phenolic compounds, the coumarins, and the most relevant strands in which they are involved in some spirit beverages—wine spirit, brandy, whiskey, sugar-cane spirits (rum and cachaça) and grape marc spirit—with great importance worldwide in terms of production, trade and consumption. It gathers the key discoveries on the topic, considering the production process of each spirit beverage, and the related sources of coumarins (different kinds of wood used in the ageing stage), along with the factors that govern them and can influence the sensory properties of the aged beverages. An overview of the analytical methods available for their identification/quantification is also included, as well as the corresponding trends for the advancement of knowledge in this field. Moreover, the remarkable role of coumarins as nutraceuticals, their importance as chemical markers for authenticity purposes, and their relationship with the food safety of these spirit beverages are also addressed, highlighting the current gaps and issues, and providing clues for future research.

Vine spacing of <i>Vitis vinifera</i> cv. Shiraz/101-14 Mgt. I. root growth and physiological activity

Knowledge of vine reaction to plant spacing under relatively high potential soil conditions is limited. This study comprised effects of vine spacing (with fixed row spacing) of Shiraz (clone SH 9C)/101-14 Mgt on a high potential soil in the Breede River Valley, Robertson, South Africa, on soil conditions, root system distribution, and vine physiological reaction. The vineyard was planted in 2008 to a VSP trellis, with a fixed row spacing of 2.2 m and a row orientation of approximately NNE–SSW (30°). In-row vine spacing changed from 0.3–4.5 m with increments of 30 cm (from 15151–1010 vines/ha), totalling 15 treatments. After the completion of cordon development, results were generated over six seasons. Soil conditions seemed generally uniform and showed no obvious characteristics that could have affected treatments differentially. An increase in density occurred in fine, extension and permanent root categories with closer spacing, increasing the total number of roots/ha. Roots penetrated deeper with closer vine spacing. Vine spacing impacted physiological parameters and revealed a complex interplay between root distribution, vine structure expansion, canopy microclimate, water relations, photosynthetic output, berry temperature, carbon distribution, and day/night recovery that would affect grape composition and wine quality. Optimum vine spacing appeared to be 1.8 m, both closer and wider spacing leading to limitations in physiological activity. Interactions amongst below- and aboveground growth and physiological parameters are comprehensively discussed with a focus on sustainability.

Potassium fertigation and organic fertilisation in ‘Syrah’ grape in Northeastern Brazil: yield, must characteristics and phenolic compounds

The effect of both potassium and organic fertilisation on grape yield and must composition originating from wine grapevines cultivated in the São Francisco river basin, in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil, is not well known. Since soils from that region usually have low organic matter content, we hypothesise that soil application of organic fertiliser and potassium application through drip irrigation enhances the availability of this nutrient in the soil, and it influences grape yield and quality. Hence, five doses of potassium (0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 kg ha-1) applied through a drip irrigation system and two doses of goat manure as organic fertiliser applied into the soil (0 and 7.5 m3 ha-1) after pruning were evaluated concerning yield and berry quality of grapevine ‘Syrah’ over four growing seasons (April 2013 to July 2015) in Petrolina, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The experimental design was randomised blocks with 5 replications. We evaluated yield (t ha-1), weight of 100 berries (g), must volume (mL), total soluble solids (°Brix), pH and total titratable acidity (‰), K, Mg and Ca contents and phenolic compounds (total polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids). The increasing application of potassium at the different doses of organic fertiliser did not alter the crop yield, except in the second season. Nonetheless, K concentration in grape must was influenced in the four growing seasons, with higher values at fitted K2O doses by polynomial regression of 83.62 kg ha-1 (first season), 101.25 kg ha-1 (second season), 120.00 kg ha-1 (third season) and 77.99 kg ha-1 (0 m3 ha-1 organic fertiliser) and 96.07 kg ha-1 (7.5 m3 ha-1 organic fertiliser) in the fourth season. The addition of increasing doses of potassium interfered with the wine grape quality, which is an important factor to be considered in relation to its acidity. Organic fertilisation did not affect the most quality characteristics of the grapes.

POTENȚIALUL AGROECOLOGIC AL CLONELOR SOIULUI DE STRUGURI PENTRU VIN MALBEC

The research reflected in this article aimed at studying the agroecological potential of clones of Malbec wine variety in the conditions of Mereni wine-growing center, Codru Region. Based on the study, it was found that the clones (595, 596, 598) of Malbec variety recorded different levels of significance of the analyzed characters, depending on the year and clone. The Clone 596 was the leader in terms of quantity and quality: maximum yield of 16.70 t/ha, maximum sugar content of 212.86 gr./dm3, minimum titratable acidity content of 8.5 gr./dm3. Based on the dispersion analysis data of the sugar content for the Clone 595, it was found that the value of DL-0.95 is 13.09 gr./dm3, DL-0.99 is 21.18 gr./dm3, DL-0.999 is 35.10 gr./dm3, for the Clone 596 - DL- 0,95 is 11,38 gr./dm3, DL-0,99 is 18,42 gr./dm3, DL-0,999 is 30,52 gr./dm3, for the Clone 598 - DL-0,95 is 18,21 gr./dm3, DL-0,99 is 29,45 gr./dm3, DL-0,999 is 48,79 gr./dm3. The correlation analysis data revealed significant interconnections between the amount of harvest and a) the sum of active temperatures (X1), the correlation coefficient ranging between 0.32-0.41; b) the amount of annual precipitation (X2), the correlation coefficient ranging between 0.29-0.55; c) the leaf surface (X3), the correlation coefficient ranging between 0.31-0.71, and d) the chlorophyll content index (X4), the correlation coefficient ranging between 0.17- 0.41. The correlation analysis showed the following correlation coefficients between the sugar content in berries and the analyzed factors: 0.38-0.49 (X1); -0.41 to 0.62 (X2 - negative correlation); 0.25-0.57 (X3); 0.12-0.29 (X4). Negative correlations were identified in all cases for the titratable acidity content in berries. Cercetările reflectate în acest articol au avut ca scop studierea potențialului agroecologic al clonelor soiului de struguri pentru vin Malbec în condițiile plaiului vitivinicol Mereni, regiunea Codru. În baza studiului realizat s-a constatat că clonele soiului Malbec (595, 596, 598) au înregistrat diferit nivel de semnificație a caracterelor analizate, în funcție de an și de clonă. Clona 596 s-a manifestat lider sub aspectul cantitativ și calitativ și anume, recoltă maximă în mărime de 16,70 t/ha, conținut maxim de zahăr în mărime de 212,86 gr./dm3, conținut minim de aciditate titrabilă în mărime de 8,5 gr./ dm3. În baza datelor analizei de dispersie a conținutului de zahăr pentru clona 595, se constată că valoarea DL-0,95 este de 13,09 gr./dm3, DL-0,99 este de 21,18 gr./dm3, DL-0,999 este de 35,10 gr./dm3, pentru clona 596 – DL-0,95 este de 11,38 gr./dm3, DL-0,99 este de 18,42 gr./dm3, DL-0,999 este de 30,52 gr./dm3, pentru clona 598 – DL-0,95 este de 18,21 gr./ dm3, DL-0,99 este de 29,45 gr./dm3, DL-0,999 este de 48,79 gr./dm3. Rezultatele analizei de corelație denotă faptul că există legături strânse între cantitatea de recoltă și a) suma temperaturilor active (X1), coeficientul de corelație fiind în limitele 0,32-0,41; b) cantitatea precipitațiilor anuale (X2), coeficientul de corelație fiind în limitele 0,29-0,55; c) suprafața foliară (X3), coeficientul de corelație fiind în limitele 0,31-0,71, și d) indicele de conținut al clorofilei (X4), coeficientul de corelație fiind în limitele 0,17-0,41. Între conținutul de zahăr în boabe și factorii analizați s-au înregistrat următorii coeficienți de corelație: 0,38-0,49 (X1); -0,41...-0,62 (X2 - corelație negativă); 0,25-0,57 (X3) și 0,12-0,29 (X4). Pentru conținutul de aciditate titrabilă în boabe s-au identificat corelații negative în toate cazurile.

Diversity of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' Grape Epidermis and Environmental Bacteria in Wineries from Different Sub-Regions of the Eastern Foothills of Helan Mountain, Ningxia.

Understanding the composition of the bacterial community on the epidermis of wine grapes and in winery environments, as well as the response of grape epidermal bacteria to climatic factors, plays a significant role in ensuring grape health and promoting grape conversion into wine. This study utilized high-throughput sequencing to explore the composition of the bacterial community on the wine grape epidermis and representative wineries of three sub-regions of the Eastern Foothills of Helan Mountain, Ningxia. The results showed that the bacterial diversity and richness in the Yongning (YN) sub-region were the highest, with Qingtongxia (QTX) having the lowest levels of grape epidermal bacteria. The bacterial diversity and richness were the highest in Yinchuan (YC) and the lowest in YN in the winery environment (p < 0.05). The composition of dominant bacteria on the grape epidermis and in winery environments of the three sub-regions was not different at the phylum and genus level, but the levels of these dominant bacteria were different among the sub-regions. There was a correlation between grape epidermal bacteria and climatic factors. Approximately 93% of the bacterial genera on the grape epidermal genera in the three sub-regions are present in the winery environment and contain all the dominant bacterial genera on the epidermis.

Pilot Scale Continuous Pulsed Electric Fields Treatments for Vinification and Stabilization of Arinto and Moscatel Graúdo (Vitis vinifera L.) White Grape Varieties: Effects on Sensory and Physico-Chemical Quality of Wines

Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing of white grapes (Arinto, Moscatel Graúdo also known as Moscatel de Setúbal) before pressing for must extraction (1.2 and 1.6 kV/cm) and before bottling for finished wine physical stabilization (10 kV/cm) was implemented in a pilot-scale winery to produce about 540 L of wine for each variety. PEF was applied at these two different stages of wine production, and its effects on the sensory and physico-chemical quality of the wines were investigated. The sensory triangle tests revealed no significant change in both wine varieties’ colour, odour, and taste with PEF extraction and PEF stabilization treatments. However, for colour coordinates assessed with a spectrophotometer, a significant increase in CIE b* colour coordinate was registered for PEF-extracted Arinto and Moscatel wine samples, showing a development of a more intense yellow colour. Concerning physico-chemical quality parameters, the PEF extraction increased both wine varieties’ turbidity and pH, although total acidity was not affected. The total phenols also increased in Arinto with extraction. The second PEF treatment applied for wine stabilization did not affect any of the quality parameters, except total phenols, which decreased in Moscatel wine. The results encourage the application of PEF in the wineries at different stages of vinification of white wine grape varieties.

Multivariate Analysis and Optimization of the Relationship between Soil Nutrients and Berry Quality of Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Franc Vineyards in the Eastern Foothills of the Helan Mountains, China

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between soil nutrients and berry quality for the wine grape Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Franc in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, and subsequently to optimize soil nutrient conditions for optimal berry quality, thus providing guidance for vineyard soil management. Based on the basic data on soil nutrients and berry quality indicators, a partial least squares regression method was used to screen for major soil nutrient factors affecting the grape quality index. Then, the selected soil nutrient factors were taken as independent variables and the corresponding grape quality indicators were taken as dependent variables and a multilinear regression equation was formulated by the method of multivariate linear regression. Finally, the optimal solution for fruit quality and soil nutrients was solved using linear programming equations. The results showed that there was a lack of total nitrogen, organic matter, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and available phosphorus in the soil nutrients, and an alkaline soil. There is a significant positive correlation between some soil nutrient indices, and there is also a multivariate linearity problem. Among all berry quality indices, titratable acid, tannin, and anthocyanin were negatively correlated with eleven and ten soil indices, respectively, while other berry quality indices were positively correlated with most soil nutrient indices. The optimal parameters for grape quality were determined using the method of linear programming equations, and the corresponding soil nutrient indicators content were defined.

TERRITORIAL FEATURES AND THEIR EFFECTIVE USE IN THE CULTIVATION OF VITICULTURE PRODUCTS

This article explores the significance of territorial characteristics and their effective use in the cultivation of viticulture products. Territorial characteristics, including soil composition, climate, topography, biodiversity, and cultural practices, play a crucial role in shaping the quality, flavor profiles, and identity of wines. By understanding and leveraging these characteristics, wine producers can create wines that reflect a sense of place and terroir. The article reviews existing literature on the topic, highlighting the impact of soil composition on grapevine growth and grape quality, the influence of climate on grape ripening and wine characteristics, the role of topography in creating diverse microclimates, the importance of biodiversity in supporting vine health and wine complexity, and the significance of cultural practices in preserving heritage and guiding vineyard management. The effective use of territorial characteristics enables wine producers to differentiate their products, establish a strong sense of provenance, and satisfy the preferences of discerning consumers. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding and harnessing these characteristics to cultivate exceptional viticulture products.