Effects of mechanical thinning on fruit and wine composition and sensory attributes of Grenache and Tempranillo cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.).

  1. Diago, M.P. 1
  2. Vilanova, M. 2
  3. Blanco, J.A. 1
  4. Tardaguila, J. 1
  1. 1 Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino
    info

    Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino

    Logroño, España

    ROR https://ror.org/01rm2sw78

  2. 2 Misión Biolóxica de Galicia
    info

    Misión Biolóxica de Galicia

    Pontevedra, España

Journal:
Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research

ISSN: 1322-7130

Year of publication: 2010

Volume: 16

Issue: 2

Pages: 314-326

Type: Article

DOI: 10.1111/J.1755-0238.2010.00094.X SCOPUS: 2-s2.0-77957888621 WoS: WOS:000278107900005 GOOGLE SCHOLAR

More publications in: Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research

Institutional repository: lock_openOpen access Editor

Abstract

Background and Aims: Cost-effective yield control is required by the wine industry in order to reduce the existing worldwide wine surplus and to improve grape quality. The object of this study was to evaluate the chemical and sensory effects on the resulting wines of mechanical cluster thinning performed at different intensities on Grenache, and at different timings (pea size and veraison) on Tempranillo. Methods and Results: The experiments were conducted with a machine harvester in 2007 on two commercial vertical shoot-positioned vineyards in Spain's Rioja region. In both varieties, mechanical thinning was effective in yield reduction and resulted in more ripened fruit, and wines with higher alcohol and pH values, more intense colour and increased phenolic content. Regardless of the thinning intensity, sensory changes were less noticeable in Grenache than in Tempranillo wines. Of the latter, those from vines thinned during veraison were less aromatic and sour, but had increased astringency. Conclusions: Yield management through mechanical thinning induced changes to the chemical composition of fruit and wines as well as to the wines' aroma, taste and mouthfeel. The extent of the sensory implications seems to depend on several factors such as the variety and timing of thinning application. Significance of the Study: This is one of the first studies addressing the effects of mechanical thinning on the sensory properties of the resulting wine and has implications for viticultural management practices. © 2010 Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology Inc.