Managing vineyard variability for a targeted wine outcome

Abstract

Variability in vine growth and berry composition always exists in a vineyard. This project has established procedures to evaluate the effects of vineyard variability as measured by vine characteristics and berry composition on the resulting wine composition and wine sensory properties. A ‘how-to’ guide has been developed that describes a protocol for quantifying vineyard variability using precision management techniques, vine characteristics assessment, berry sensory analysis, small lot winemaking and wine sensory analysis. The guide has been created to assist vineyard managers and winemakers assess whether the wine produced from fruit within different sections of a vineyard is sufficiently different to other sections or the whole vineyard as a basis for decision making with respect to employ differential harvesting techniques or changing management strategies to improve fruit consistency. A model has been developed that will allow vineyard managers to evaluate the potential impact on vineyard financial returns based on a differential harvesting approach to managing variability.

Summary

Distinct regions of variability found by remote sensing. Vineyard trial designed and performed to check variability. Fruit sampled in different zones were analyzed and wine tasted.