University of Tasmania
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Investigations into the relationships of stress and leaf health of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) on grape and wine qualities

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posted on 2023-05-26, 04:50 authored by Wells, RB
Trials were established to investigate links between late season leaf health and wine quality in Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, on a vineyard in Northern Tasmania. One series of trials located areas within Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc vineyards with regions of pre-existing shoot vigour variation. Ground-based measurements of vine canopy along with aerial imaging of near infrared and red light reflectance were used to characterise the canopies, and compare vigour assessment systems compared. Leaf health was assessed by chlorophyll concentration and late season retention. Yield and fruit chemistry attributes were assessed, and small-scale winemaking was used to investigate fermentation rate and wine quality. Four nitrogen application trials were established: a nitrogen by irrigation trial (2005-06); a nitrogen rate (0, 20, 35 and 50 g N/vine in 2006-07 and 0, 20 and 50 g N/vine in 2007- 08) by timing (pre-bloom, post bloom, pre-veraison and post veraison) trial; a nitrogen by exposure trial (nil or 100 g N/vine, shaded or exposed clusters) and a comparison of wine from must nitrogen increase by field fertiliser application or winery supplementation. Changes to shoot growth, leaf chlorophyll and retention, fruit yield and chemical attributes, and wine fermentation and composition were assessed. Shoot vigour was correlated with leaf chlorophyll concentration and late season leaf retention in vigour trials, however leaf health measures could be influenced by nitrogen application timing independent of shoot vigour. Shoot growth responded to nitrogen availability prior to fruit set, while leaf chlorophyll was altered by nitrogen availability at any stage. Pre-bloom additions increase shoot growth in year 1 but in year 2 there was no impact from nitrogen timing. Leaf retention was improved by nitrogen applications after fruit set, but not before, and was independent of preceding season applications. Pinot Noir fruit did not vary in total soluble solids (TSS) as a result of vine vigour. Sauvignon Blanc juice TSS from high vigour vines decreased, while titratable acidity increased in high vigour vines in all trials. Nitrogen application increased TSS in one season, while TA was higher after high rates of nitrogen, particularly when applied post bloom. Yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) influenced fermentation rates, and increased with vigour, and could also be increased by nitrogen addition. Wine tannins decreased with vigour and high rates of nitrogen, with changing sunlight exposure being the major influence. DAP additions produced wines that were distinct from field applied nitrogen, and when applied prior to inoculation led to an increase in wine colour density.

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