Interannual and spatial variability of grape composition in the Rioja DOCa show better resilience of cv. Graciano than cv. Tempranillo under a warming scenario

Abstract

Weather conditions affect vine development and grape composition, although the response may be different depending on the variety and altitude. Under scenarios of climate change, the knowledge of the relationships between grape composition and climate is therefore important to know the suitability of a given cultivar. In this research, the variability of the grape composition of two red varieties with different phenological timings (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo and Graciano) cultivated in Rioja DOCa (Spain) and the climatic variables that have a higher effect on the response of each of them were analysed. Grape composition of both cultivars at technical maturity (considered when a probable volumetric alcoholic degree (PVAD) = 13 º was reached) was analysed during the period 2008–2020 in areas located at different elevations and related to the weather conditions recorded in those areas. The results show the effect of temperature and water availability in different periods during the growing cycle on grape composition and the potential benefits of cultivating at a higher elevation, under higher water availability. The anthocyanins were affected by the maximum temperatures recorded in the period before veraison and during ripening (period veraison to technical maturity), decreasing their concentrations with increasing temperatures. In addition, higher water availability gave rise to an increase in acidity. Graciano is shown as a variety more suitable than Tempranillo to be cultivated under warmer conditions.

The sugarless grape trait characterized by single berry phenotyping

“…This trend is amplified at maximum volume stage due to the highest expansion and resulting dilution ( Table 1 ). Morrastel N, also called Graciano in Spain, is a traditional cultivar producing wines rich in polyphenols with moderate ethanol levels (Ramos and Martinez de Toda, 2021). We confirm here, through this study performed at single berry level, that Morrastel N can produce ripe fruit at lower [Hex], i.e.…”

Macabeo (Viura) grape response to climate variability in areas located at different elevations in the Rioja Designation of Origin

“…Previous studies have been carried out in Rioja DOCa on the main red cultivars (Tempranillo, Grenache and Graciano), 11,26,27 but less attention has been paid to white cultivars, which are also authorized and grown in the area. The results of these previous analysis have shown that the cultivars with earlier phenology may suffer higher impacts in phenology and in grape composition under warming climates than those with later phenology and, given that white cultivars may have earlier timing than red varieties, they could also suffer negative impacts.…”