Influence of edapho-climatic factors on grape quality in Conca de Baberà vineyards (Catalonia, Spain)

Abstract

Aims: Soil and climate of 3vineyards located in Catalonia (Spain) have been characterized in order todetermine their influence on grape quality (yield and berry composition).

Methods and results: All 3 plots are very close, so only interannual climatic data of the nearest meteorological station have been considered. Besides determining chemical and physical properties of soils, the soil water availability has been characterised using capacitance sensors for the period from 2003 to 2005. Both yield and berry composition data were available from Miguel Torres Winery. Climatic data and water availability explained 70% of vintage variability and soil data explained 28% of vintage variability. The edapho-climatic factors had generally a high power of estimation of yield and quality of grapes (R2 > 0.75). Climate appeared to be the most influencing factor, followed by water availability, in particular for models referring to must data. Generally, soil data had influence on yield and some must data.

Conclusion: The edapho-climatic data explain most of the vintage variability and have a high power of estimation on grape quality.

Significance and impact of study:This study remarks the importance of a global approach which takes inot account at least climate and soil water availability to understand the functioning of vines and evolution of berry composition.