Manipulating Nitrogen and Water Resources for Improved Cool Climate Vine to Wine Quality

Effect of different irrigation strategies on vine physiology, yield, grape composition and sensory profile of Sauvignon Blanc (Vitis vinifera L.) in a cool climate area

OENO One ◽

10.20870/oeno-one.2013.47.3.1547 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 159 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gabriel Balint ◽

Andrew G. Reynolds

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Field Experiments ◽

Root Zone ◽

Water Status ◽

Sensory Profile ◽

Wine Aroma ◽

Wine Quality ◽

Sauvignon Blanc ◽

Fruit Composition ◽

Cool Climate

Aim: The impacts of partial root zone drying (PRD) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on soil moisture, vine water status, yield components, fruit composition and wine sensory profile of Sauvignon blanc were studied in a cool climate region.Methods and results: Field experiments were conducted in a commercial Sauvignon blanc block in Ontario, Canada between 2006 and 2008. Treatments were: non-irrigated control, PRD, full irrigation [100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc)] and one level of RDI (25% ETc). Treatments began immediately after fruit set and continued until the beginning of September. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was calculated using the Penman–Monteith equation. Soil moisture and vine water status (leaf water potential and transpiration rate) in the PRD treatments were generally less than in 100% ETc but higher than in non-irrigated and 25% ETc treatments. Almost all treatments were different than non-irrigated vines in fruit composition and wine sensory attributes. RDI strategies were more consistent across vintages than the PRD treatments in their effect on vine water status, grape composition and sensory profiles.Conclusions: Use of RDI or PRD in cool climates during dry and warm years can improve grape composition. In very dry and hot seasons, like that of 2007, irrigation improved grape composition and wine aroma typicity. RDI enhanced fruity aroma attributes, which suggests that this could be a viable strategy to improve grape and wine quality in cool areas. However, due to high climatic variation over the period studied, no consistent pattern of irrigation effects was found for berry composition, suggesting that plant water status was not the only factor that controlled fruit and wine quality.Significance and impact of the study: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first evaluation of PRD in a cool, humid climate, and highlights the potential value of both RDI and PRD irrigation techniques in cool climate regions, particularly during dry growing seasons.

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Timing of cluster-zone leaf removal and its impact on canopy morphology, cluster structure and bunch rot susceptibility of grapes

OENO One ◽

10.20870/oeno-one.2011.45.3.1495 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 149 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Daniel Molitor ◽

Marc Behr ◽

Serge Fischer ◽

Lucien Hoffmann ◽

Danièle Evers

Keyword(s):

Cluster Structure ◽

Grey Mould ◽

Optimal Timing ◽

Leaf Removal ◽

Wine Quality ◽

Microclimatic Conditions ◽

Cluster Compactness ◽

Bunch Rot ◽

Efficient Option ◽

Cool Climate

Aims: Leaf removal in the cluster-zone has proved to be an efficient option to reduce grey mould infestation. The aim of the present work was to determine the optimal timing of this measure in practical viticulture.Methods and results: Manual leaf removal in the cluster-zone was carried out at six time points between pre-bloom (BBCH 57) and veraison (BBCH 81) on the white varieties Sauvignon blanc (2009), Auxerrois (2009), Pinot gris (2010) and Riesling (2010). Leaf removal conducted between bloom and berries-touching led to a decreased number of interior clusters as well as a reduced cluster compactness and disease severity of B. cinerea. Prebloom and late (at veraison) leaf removal turned out to be less efficient.Conclusion: Leaf removal between bloom and berries-touching proved to be very efficient to control bunch rot due to (i) the disaggregation of the cluster structure and (ii) the improved microclimatic conditions and can be recommended in integrated as well as organic viticulture.Significance and impact of the study: The outcome of the present study constitutes an important tool for improving grape health status and, in consequence, wine quality under cool climate winegrowing conditions.

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