Investigations in to vine nutrition and water status on grape and wine quality

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the links between late season leaf health and wine quality, using distinct vigour zones within a vineyard that gave rise to leaf health gradients, and by manipulating leaf health with nitrogen fertilisers. Increased leaf health was linked to greater overall canopy growth and density, and higher leaf and must nitrogen levels. Fruit sugars ware unaffected, although acids tended to rise and tannins decrease in fruit and wines from vines with improved late season leaf health. Sensory preference was found for wines made from fruit from low vigour vines with less healthy leaves, while there was little sensory difference from nitrogen addition.

Summary

The objective of this study was to investigate the links between late season leaf health and wine quality, using distinct vigour zones within a vineyard that gave rise to leaf health gradients, and by manipulating leaf health with nitrogen fertilisers. Increased leaf health was linked to greater overall canopy growth and density, and higher leaf and must nitrogen levels. Fruit sugars ware unaffected, although acids tended to rise and tannins decrease in fruit and wines from vines with improved late season leaf health. Sensory preference was found for wines made from fruit from low vigour vines with less healthy leaves, while there was little sensory difference from nitrogen addition