Climate is the main factor affecting grape and wine quality in Mediterranean viticulture. Global warming provokes an increase in the accumulation of soluble solids in grapes, together with a lower content of anthocyanins and acidity. This result in stuck and sluggish fermentations causing economic losses in the winery. Climate adaptation strategies are essential to minimize the detrimental effects of global warming on grape and wine quality. This review summarized the effect of viticultural techniques to delay grapevine ripening with emphasis on canopy management and we overviewed the effects of high temperatures on grape and wine quality. Some viticultural techniques such as severe shoot trimming, minimal pruning, late winter pruning and apical leaf removal may delay grapevine ripening close to 15 days. Forcing regrowth is the most interesting technique since it allows to delay grape ripening at least of two months which can be essential in warm grapevine production areas.
Gutiérrez-Gamboa, G; Zheng, W; de Toda, FM
Current viticultural techniques to mitigate the effects of global warming on grape and wine quality: A comprehensive review
Food Research International