29/08/2011-06/09/2011 17Th Giesco Symposium, Asti

GWRDC Overseas travel report: 29/08/2011-06/09/2011

17th GiESCO Symposium, Asti-Alba, Italy

P.R. Clingeleffer, CSIRO Plant Industry, Waite Campus, Urrbrae

INDEX

Objectives 2

Planned Outputs 2-3

Overview 3

Giesco Symposium 4-18

Session I. Opening lectures 4-5

Session 2. Viticulture of Mediterranean and hot climates 5-6

Session 3. Sustainable viticulture and terroir 6-8

Session 4. Advanced technological viticulture 8-10

Session 5. Ecophysiology and Climatology 10-13

Session 6. Viticulture R&D within rapidly changing innovation

and funding systems 13-14

Session 7. Vineyard management 14-18

Academy of wine presentations 18

GiESCO Scientific Committee meeting (02/09/2011) 19

Field trip to North Peidmont 20-24

Visit to grapevine collection with Anna Schneider in the La Morra region 24-26

Regional visit to La Morra region (with Anna Schneider) 27-28

Discussions with Anna Schneider, Ampelographer, University of Turin 29

Discussion with Jesus Yuste from Spain re vine improvement 30

OBJECTIVES

The travel had three main objectives:

1. to attend the 17th GiESCO meeting in Asti, Italy and gain insight into recent developments in vine physiology, training and management 2. present an oral presentation on 'Rootstocks, a tool to manipulate vine growth characteristics, fruit composition and wine quality attributes, water use efficiency and drought tolerance' and a poster on ‘Recovery of Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines from long term water deficits’. 3. meet with key researchers involved in the new European rootstock physiology project, ‘Root tolerance and acclimation to abiotic stresses: knowledge and tools for improving temperate tree species breeding and cultivation’

PLANNED PROJECT OUTPUTS:

Output Performance Targets Date

1. Attend 17th International Attend the 17th GiESCO symposium in 29/08/2011 GiESCO Symposium, Asti, Italy, 29th Aug-2 Sept. Participate in GiESCO Scientific Committee meeting as an Australian delegate.

2. Deliver oral presentation to Oral presentation titled 'Rootstocks, a tool 02/08/2011 GiESCO to manipulate vine growth characteristics, fruit composition and wine quality attributes, water use efficiency and drought tolerance' delivered to GiESCO. Paper published in proceedings.

3. Deliver poster presentation to Poster on ‘Recovery of Cabernet 02/08/2011 GiESCO Sauvignon grapevines from long term water deficits’ , authors Everard Edwards and Peter Clingeleffer, presented at GiESCO. Paper published in proceedings.

4. Discuss European rootstock Meet with key personnel involved in the 04/08/2011 physiology project with key development of the European rootstock personnel physiology project attending the GiESCO Symposium and with the coordinator, Davide Neri, University Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona. The project ‘Root tolerance and acclimation to abiotic stresses: knowledge and tools for improving temperate tree species breeding and cultivation’ involves research agencies in France, Germany, Hungary, Spain, and Italy. Potential collaborations will be explored.

5. Deliver travel report to GWRDC Report on key international issues in 31/10/2011 regard to vine management, training and physiology addressed at the 17th GiESCO Symposium.

Report on progress with the development and potential collaboration with the new European rootstock physiology project.

REPORT

Overview

The main purpose of the travel was for Peter Clingeleffer to attend the 17th GiESCO symposium in Asti, Italy, 29th August – 2 September 2011, the international group of viticultural researchers involved in vine training and management. An oral paper on 'Rootstocks, a tool to manipulate vine growth characteristics, fruit composition and wine quality attributes, water use efficiency and drought tolerance' (Clingeleffer et. al. 2011) and a poster on ‘Recovery of Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines from long term water deficits’ (Edwards and Clingeleffer 2011) were presented and published in the refereed proceedings of the symposium . Peter Clingeleffer also participated in the GiESCO Scientific Committee meeting as an Australian delegate.

It was also planned to meet with key researchers from France, Germany, Hungary, Spain, and Italy who have been involved in the development of a new rootstock physiology project in Europe at the GiESCO symposium. Discussions were had with Oriana Silvestroni (Ancona, Italy), Jesus Yuste (Spain) and Hans Schultz and Manfred Stoll (Geisenheim, Germany). Unfortunately, the project ‘Root tolerance and acclimation to abiotic stresses: knowledge and tools for improving temperate tree species breeding and cultivation’, coordinated by Davide Neri, from the Universita Politecnia dele Marche in Ancona was not funded as part of the EU research program. Hence travel to meet with Davide Neri was not undertaken. Instead, a day was spent with Anna Schneider who is involved in vine improvement and ampelographic studies at the University of Turin and a visit made to one of the key germplasm collections in Italy. Note: In discussion, Hans Schultz indicated that the

FACE system to be used for elevated CO2 climate change studies was not functional, largely due to budget restraints.

References for presentations:

Clingeleffer, P.R., Smith, B.P., Edwards, E.J., Collins, M.J., Morales, N.B. and Walker, R.R. (2011) Rootstocks a tool to manipulate vine growth characteristics, fruit composition, and wine quality attributes, water use efficiency and drought tolerance. In: Proceedings 17th International GiESCO, Asti-Alba (CN), Italy, 29th August-2nd September 2011, 451-454.

Edwards, E.J. and Clingeleffer, P.R. (2011) Recovery of Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines from long term water deficits.. In: Proceedings 17th International GiESCO, Asti-Alba (CN), Italy, 29th August-2nd September 2011, 371- 373.

17th GiESCO Symposium

The 17th GiESCO Symposium was attended by about 200 delegates from 17 countries. In total there were 150 presentations (60 oral and 90 posters) in seven main sessions. Almost all presentations were included as part of the refereed proceedings available to delegates.

Session I. Opening lectures

This featured an address from the Director General of the OIV who presented an update of world viticulture statistics. Notable information included an overall drop in world grapevine plantings from 7.8 to 7.6 million hectares, with European vineyards accounting for 57% of the surface area. He noted the considerable increase in grapevine plantings in China, particularly of table grapes. Overall, there has been a slight increase in wine consumption worldwide from 227 to 238 million hectolitres, with a doubling of consumption in China.

A new publication, Illustrated Historical Universal Ampelography book was also launched. This three volume publication, in English and Italian edited by Anna Schneider, Giusi Mainardi and Stefano Raimondi, contains colour pales of 551 varieties with text for each describing the morphological and agricultural characteristics of each variety, as well as their synonyms and historical curiosities. It incorporates the works of the French ampelographer’s, Viala and Vermorel and the Italian ampelographers, Count Gallesio and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, undertaken in the 1800’s and early 1900’s.

A new Academy of Wine and Vine, linked to the GiESCO movement was also launched at the Symposium (see later discussion of presentations)

A key note address by Laurent Torregrosa reviewed the possible impact of climate change on grapevine development and the research strategies required to create genotypes for the future. The review included strategies to minimise the impacts of climate change, i.e. modification of cultivation practices, adaption of wine processing, selection of new cultivars and rootstocks, selection of new winegrowing regions and an overview of current research programs addressing these issues, largely in Europe. Research programs included:

• CLIMATOR (France) which supports research activities to evaluate the effect of climate change on crops • VITSEC (France) which uses high throughput phenotyping facilities and techniques with the aim to determine the molecular and genetic base of grapevine responses to water supply • DURAVITIS (France) which aims to re-evaluate the impact of temperature on grapevine development • CENIT-DEMETER (Spain) which aims to assess the response of Spanish varieties to temperature and drought and involves 31 research groups and 26 companies

• The FACE program (Germany) which aims to address vine response to elevated CO2 and water supply • ACCF metaprogram (France), a new initiative which aims to coordinate climate change work • LACCAVE (France) which aims to assess the long term impacts and adaptations to climate change in viticulture and oenology. It commenced in 2011.

He concludes that modelling, including genetic parameters appears to be the best way to integrate current understanding to breed new varieties and rootstocks suitable for new environments. The review is an excellent paper and includes references and linkages to the programs above and has particular relevance to Australian researchers involved in climate change and grape physiology research.

Session 2. Viticulture of Mediterranean and hot climates.

This session included oral presentations on wine production and analyses in tropical regions, effect of water availability on root growth dynamics of three rootstocks grafted with Grenache in Spain, water and nitrogen effects on carbon isotope discrimination in Greece and the reproductive performance of grapes grown in hotter climates in Australia. The analytical studies described the use of proton NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics to describe vintages and cultivars in Brazil (Gomes Neto et. al) and polyphenolic and chromatic characterization and effects of aging for tropical red wines in Brazil (Lima et al.). The rhizotron rootstock studies in Spain (De Herralde et al.) showed that more roots developed under high water regimes and described continuous root turnover throughout the season. It also demonstrated that 110 Richter had higher root length than 41-B or 161-49 and showed that leaf area was not related to root length. The Australian studies (Collins et al. 2011) described the response of reproductive development of 4 varieties to a 3-5 o C elevation of temperature, above ambient. The results showed that response to heat treatment was cultivar dependent.

Posters presented in this session included:-

• the use of gas chromatography to describe aromatic profiles in Brazilian wine, sensory profiles of tropical wines produced in Brazil • measurement of photosynthetically active radiation levels and effects of slope, leaf removal and shoot trimming in a Shiraz vineyard in Brazil • the effects of leaf removal and shoot trimming on physiology and agronomic characteristics of Shiraz in Brazil • clonal and rootstock studies with Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Brazil • an assessment of the potential to use old varieties for future wine grape production in the Apulia region of Italy based on winemaking, sensory and GCMS results.

The discussion on tropical viticulture raised the issue of the requirement to use ‘Dormex’ to break dormancy. This product, which is also widely used in Northern regions in Australia, largely for table grape production, has now been banned for use in viticulture in Europe. As there are no alternatives available, international deregistration of the product would have serious implications for tropical and sub-tropical grape production worldwide.

Session 3. Sustainable viticulture and terroir

The invited address for this session was given by J.J. Hunter. It aimed to provide a basis for integration of sustainable viticulture practices with the traditional concept of ‘terroir’ and account for impacts of all practices in the vineyard and winery on the environment, the ecosystem, biodiversity and profitability. The roles for sustainable, organic and biodynamic management viticulture practices were addressed. The importance of matching cultivar and rootstock to ‘terroir’ was highlighted to minimise stresses (temperature and water) associated with climate change. Balo et al. gave a presentation on non-destructive approaches to evaluate ‘terroir’ in Hungary using new research tools such as Multiplex techniques to measure anthocyanins and phenolics; Berry texture analyser to assess physical berry characteristics; and hyperspectral camera to assess within vineyard differences in growth and stress levels. Bialobrzeska et al. used a range of agro- meteorological indices to identify the most suitable potential areas for viticulture in Poland.

Carbonneau and Ojeda presented on models of architecture adapted to sustainable viticulture and reported on the development of a foldable ‘Lyre’ system. They presented an overview of ‘sustainability potential’ for 20 different systems with varying architecture taking into account canopy exposure, berry exposure, distance of fruiting zone from the soil, water stress tolerance, soil erosion, and energy and carbon cost. They concluded that Minimal Pruning and Lyre systems provided more optimal conditions for sustainability than many traditional systems, including the widely used systems for vertical training (VSP) and overhead pergolas.

Coll et al. used soil quality measures (total organic carbon, microbial biomass and nematode abundance) to evaluate sustainable vineyard practices in France. They found that ‘grass cover’ tended to increase soil quality measures compared to herbicide use. They did not identify nematode species and hence did not account for the potential increase in harmful nematodes such as root-knot nematodes. Gontier et al. showed that grass cover in vineyards could be used to reduce reliance on the use of herbicides, particularly in premium,

6 low yielding vineyards. However, in their studies, vine yield, vigour and must nitrogen content were reduced, while sugar levels and polyphenolic contents were increased. The grass cover treatments had little impact on plant water stress.

Skinner et al. reported on studies in Northern China which aimed to establish baselines for carbon sequestration and soil sustainability when changing from annual cropping to a perennial crop such as grapevines. They conclude that changes to recommended management practices (RMP’s) that return significant additional amounts of organic matter in the form of seeded cover crops, vine pruning’s and composted pomace could improve organic matter levels, soil structure and water infiltration, decease soil bulk density and reduce water and wind erosion to sustainable levels.

Ripoche et al. reported on their studies in France with the VERDI simulation model, developed to evaluate various adaptive strategies of intercrop management to minimise water stress based on soil water availability. Strategies were developed under three vineyard management scenarios (i.e. permanent intercropping with repeated mowing, permanent bare soil with chemical and mechanical weeding, and temporary intercropping). Simulations from the VERDI model were used to identify flexible strategies for inter-row management including the use of bare soil in dry years and intercropping in rainy years.

The poster session covered a diverse range of topics, some of which appeared to be outside the scope of GiESCO research areas. They included:-

• a Tempranillo study on the effects of canopy height and irrigation on water relations, vine performance and fruit composition in Spain. From an irrigation perspective, best results were obtained with moderate water deficits prior to véraison and irrigation without restriction during ripening. High canopies increased leaf area but also increased water stress and crop loss. • an Italian study on the use of natural products for downy mildew control with the aim to reduce the use of copper in European vineyards . A number of natural products gave satisfactory results under low disease pressure but only copper products were effective under high disease pressure. • bunch rots in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tannat grown in Uruguay were lower on Lyre trellis compared to vertical trellis due to better cluster exposure and improved canopy microclimate. Bunch rot incidence was related to cluster compactness. • three studies to assess bioactive products (polyphenols, flavonoids, stilbenes) with potential health benefits based on grape derived compounds. The studies assessed varietal differences, clonal, regional effects and berry morphology (skin, pulp and seeds) in relation to radical scavenging activity. • a Barbera study which assessed the effect of clone-environment interactions on agronomic and wine properties of seven clones. The results showed that selection of regionally adapted clones may be required to optimise vine performance and wine quality (i.e. colour brightness, bouquet intensity, sensory profile, softness and body). • characterisation of aromatic compounds (i.e. terpenes, benzenoids, C13- norisoprenoids and 6 atom alcohols) in four Italian varieties (Fiano, Verdicchio, Refosco and Nero d’Avola) across three southern Italian regions. Fiano had the highest terpenes, Verdicchio the highest benzenoid levels while the red varieties had

the highest C13 norisoprenoids. Varieties could be distinguished on their aroma profiles. • the EU BioDiVine biodiversity management project with sites in France, Portugal and Spain which involves environmental, agronomy and landscape studies. The agronomy studies involve integrated vineyard protection (i.e. predictive disease models, mating disruption with pheromones and optimisation of spraying). Biodiversity studies involve soil microbiology, plant diversity, birds, small mammals and arthropods. • a comparison of mechanical tillage, polythene mulching and biodegradable mulch for weed control in a nursery situation. Best grafting results and plant water status were achieved with mechanical tillage. Biodegradable mulch could be used as an effective alternative to polyethylene. • use of multidisciplinary approaches to characterise a region in Italy (‘Terre Alte Di Brisighella) which involved investigations of soil, climate, topography and agronomy and effects on wine attributes of Albana and Sangiovese. The phenology, vigour, production, and sensory characteristics of Albana were impacted by soil type, altitude and slope. Soil texture had the greatest impact on Sangiovese, largely associated with differences in polyphenols, anthocyanins and colour. • a study which related active lime in the soil and vineyard elevation with increased stilbene levels in Sangiovese fruit. • the use of precision viticulture techniques for zonal management in Spanish, goblet trained vineyards of Tempranillo, grown in Rioja Alavesa. It involved the use of NDVI, soil electric conductivity and on ground measurements of growth, yield, cluster number and grape quality. • assessment of soil parameters (on soil organic matter, aggregate stability and respiration) in studies comparing chemical weed control and cover crops in conventional and organic vineyards in relation to sustainability. • the use of Economic Plot Index for timing of vineyard renewal in Bordeaux, France using yield and wine price averaged over a number of years.

Session 4. Advanced technological viticulture

The invited presentation in this session, given by Agati and Cerovic reported on the use of Multiplex (Mx) fluorimetric optical sensing for non destructive assessment of grape maturity and anthocyanin content (temporal and spatial) across a range of red grape varieties. Chlorophyll content was inversely correlated with sugar content. The results indicated that the technology could be used to identify different quality zones in the vineyard and facilitate on-the-go selective harvesting.

Guisard et al. reported on improvements in thermal imagery for assessment of leaf temperature in heterogeneous canopies. Their results indicated that wind speed, close to the target canopy, must be taken into account in use of the technique. They also concluded that application of the technology was not adequate for use as a tool for irrigation scheduling. Ochagavia et al. reported on the successful use of thermal imaging to assess vine water status in a Spanish Tempranillo vineyard with varying irrigation treatments. Leaf temperature, measured both laterally and from over the canopy (Zenithal) was inversely correlated with stomatal conductance and stem water potential.

Baralon et al. reported on French studies in a non-irrigated Grenache vineyard, with a range of soil types and elevation to develop models to assess whole vineyard plant water status based on dawn water potential measured over three seasons. Their results indicate the possibility to assess spatial variation in plant water status across a vineyard from a single leaf measurement taken at a reference point.

Tardaguila et al. reported on the use of automated digital RGB (Red, Green, Blue) analysis to quantify the effects of defoliation and crop removal treatments on canopy characteristics and condition, cluster exposure and structure and porosity of the fruiting zone. They conclude that the technique offers a simple, practical non-destructive, easy computational approach for use in viticulture research where quantification of canopy and fruit zone characteristics are required (e.g. for yield assessment, vine health status and cultural practices). Strever et al. reported on the use of non-destructive spectral assessment with a ASD FieldSpec Pro spectroradiometer to determine the interaction of leaf pigments, leaf morphology and leaf age over the season in a Shiraz irrigation and canopy management trial.

Ziliototto et al. reported on the effects of late harvest and on vine withering of fruit, induced by post véraison partial cane cutting, on sensory, biochemical and molecular properties of Rabosa Piave. The withering technique produced brighter colour wines and reduced astringency in the wine compared to standard practice.

Herra-Nunez et al. reported on the development and use of Topographic Position Index to describe landscape in a ‘terroir’ study based on spatial variation in Growing Degree Days bioclimatic index.

Fiorillo et al. studied three different methods of NDVI acquisition (i.e. airborne multispectral remote sensing, ATV mounted sensing and hand held) for vineyard canopy monitoring and assessed their suitability for grape quality classification as part of the adoption of precision viticulture. All three techniques were able to distinguish vigour and grape quality zones.

The New Holland company presented on the integration of precision viticulture techniques with mechanical harvesting (Braud machines) using satellite imagery and selected harvest, developments in improved sorting to remove material other than grapes, precision spraying and precision leaf removal.

Posters in this session included:-

• Indirect estimation of nitrogen reserves contribution to annual growth based on soil and vine N-balance without root measurement. • Effect of training system on interpretation of remote sensing results of vegetative index in Southern France. • Automation of FT-NIR spectrophotometer analysis for rapid winegrape analysis, i.e. Brix, pH and anthocyanin content. • Sensory evaluation of fresh and frozen berries from Shiraz grown on 3 different rootstocks in Australia. It is concluded that Berry Sensory Assessment should only be undertaken on fresh samples. • The effect of partial rootzone drying (PRD), deficit irrigation (RDI) and sustained deficit irrigation (SDI), farm irrigation management (FIM) and full irrigation(FI) on vegetative and yield parameters of Cannonau grown in Sardinia, Italy. Yield and

pruning weight were reduced by the full irrigation compared to the other treatments although no reasons were given. RDI, SDI and PRD had improved water use efficiency (tha-1mm-1). RDI and SDI produced higher levels of total polyphenols.

Session 5. Ecophysiology and Climatology

The invited presentation in this session was given by H.R.Schultz on climatology, ecophysiology and vine performance. His study involved climatic assessment of 7 well known regions in the world where Riesling is cultivated (i.e. Rheingau, Germany; Okanagan Valley, Canada; Yakima Valley, USA; Vienna, Austria; Blenheim, New Zealand; Adelaide Hills Australia; and Colmar, France) and 4 well known regions for Cabernet Sauvignon (i.e. Bordeaux, France; Napa Valley, USA; Coonawarra and Barossa Valley, Australia). His analysis included maximum and minimum temperature and sunshine hours. The analysis showed substantial climatic differences which would exceed changes predicted by models of climate change for any region, highlighting the plasticity and adaptability (ecophysiological adaption) of grapevine varieties. The potential to use such an approach to develop correlations between climate and quality was also discussed.

De Palma et al. compared the effects of leaf removal treatments (cluster zone defoliation by hand or machine and removal of alternate leaves and laterals on all shoots) on aspects of vine physiology and wine quality of Negroamaro, a variety which has very dense canopies when grown in Italy. The more severe defoliation treatments had increased photosynthetic rates but stomatal conductance and leaf transpiration were not affected. There were no treatment effects on sunburn damage. Severe defoliation treatments had higher wine alcohol and phenolic content and were preferred in sensory evaluation. Mosetti et al. reported on the effects of leaf removal and shading on grape quality of Sauvignon Blanc, grown in Italy. Three treatments included basal leaf removal, basal leaf removal plus cluster shading and an untreated control. Leaf removal reduced rot and improved must quality parameters (i.e. increased soluble solids and reduced acidity). Bernizzono et al. compared the effect of shoot thinning on the physiology (whole canopy net CO2 exchange rate, NCER) and fruit composition of potted Barbera vines. Changes in the source sink relationship were noted leading to a higher supply of assimilates during the véraison to harvest period and improved composition in shoot thinned vines.

Sabbatini et al. studied effects of yield and season on berry growth and maturation of Concord, Riesling and Cabernet Franc grown in the cool-cold climate of Michigan. In general, berry weight and berries per cluster, pH and titratable acidity were unaffected by differences in crop load (i.e. two fold differences), but total soluble solids were lower at high cropping levels in Concord and Riesling. Cumulative heat units were a good predictor of the halfway point in berry development.

Santini et al. investigated response of Nebbiolo to different leaf roll virus infection (GLRaV1 or GLRaV3) plus rugose wood disease (GVA). Healthy vines had high physiological efficiency (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate) although only GLRaV3 reduced yield and vigour.

Prieto et al. presented on development and validation of a plant model to predict whole canopy gas exchange, based on a detailed description of canopy structure, quantification of

10 light interception within the canopy and a leaf gas exchange model. They suggest it would be useful to study photosynthesis and water use efficiency in different training systems.

Van Leeuwen et al. undertook a study on spatialisation of vine water and nitrogen status across a Bordeaux vineyard based on carbon 13 isotope analyses of grape sugar and measurement of grape yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) at ripeness. The carbon 13 isotope studies gave a good indication of vine stress during the period of véraison to harvest. Santesteban et al. studied the effect of climate and cultivar (Grenache, Tempranillo, Graciano and Cabernet Sauvignon) on total nitrogen and individual free amino acid content of grapes in two regions of Spain (Navarra and La Rioja). Amino acid profiles were impacted by temperature and nitrogen availability.

Filippetti et al. studied the effects of late-season source limitation induced by post-véraison trimming or antitranspirant (Pinolene) application on grape composition of Sangiovese to assess their value as tools to combat climate change effects (i.e advancement of ripening and high sugars). Pinolene reduced photosynthesis for up to 4 weeks. Trimming reduced the canopy area by 40%. Yield was unaffected by both treatments, which delayed sugar accumulation, without significant effects on final must acidity, pH or berry anthocyanins.

Smith et al. assessed the potential to use ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy for the rapid assessment of starch and nitrogen reserves. They concluded that the technique provides a tool to assess carbohydrate and nitrogen reserves within, and between seasons. De Bei et al. showed that severe water stress applied over two seasons to Chardonnay grown in Australia significantly reduced non-structural carbohydrate concentration in the trunk during the post-harvest period but not during dormancy, budburst or flowering. They also reported orally on the use of NIR techniques to rapidly measure carbohydrate in grapevine tissues (not published in proceedings).

Keller et al. provided background to impacts of climate change on cold hardiness and winter injury. Based on a 22 year data set of temperature, they reported on the development of a predictive model (r2>0.80) for cold hardiness for three varieties grown in Washington State, i.e. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Concord.

Hofman and Schultz simulated the effects of climate change on vineyard water status in two steep slope vineyard sites with different soil types in the Rheingau region of Germany. Their results indicate that an increase in climatic variability is likely to have a stronger impact on soil water deficits than shifts in average values of temperature or solar radiation. Cuccia et al. compared two phenological models to predict véraison date of Pinot Noir grown in Burgundy compared to a long-term data set (1976-2005). They used the models to further predict response to climate change in the near (2011-2030), intermediate future (2046-2065) and long-term future (2080-2099). The long-term scenario indicates that véraison of Pinot Noir in Burgunday will be advanced by about 20 days by the end of the century. Moriondo et al. used climatic conditions and topographic data to identify potential north-westward shifts in cultivated area where grapes may be grown in Europe, if predicted climate change scenarios occur in the future. Jones et al. used both the Winkler and Huglin climatic indices and a composite index of climate to study inter-annual variability across viticultural zones in Europe. Their results demonstrate that large-scale atmospheric features play a central role in determining the viticultural suitability of a particular year at a given location in Europe.

Posters presented in this session included:-

• Differences in leaf conductance of different varieties grown in Spain (Tempranillo, Syrah, Bobal and Tinto Velasco) over the season. Varietal differences could be attributed to differences in isohydric and anisohydric behaviour. Tinta Velasco showed good stomatal control of transpiration compared to the other varieties. • Night time stomatal conductance and transpiration on three varieties in La Mancha, Spain (Tempranillo, Syrah, and Tinto Velasco). The results showed varietal differences in night time transpiration as stomata closed to varying degrees. • Studies of the relationship between carbon isotope discrimination and water stress in some Tuscan and Sicilian varieties. • The effect of sunlight exposure on polyphenolic content of leaves in Hungary. • The effect of canopy exposure and irrigation on oxidative stress in berries of two Italian varieties, Cornalin and Petit Rouge. Peroxidase acitivity and glutathione levels were lowest in Cornalin and highest in sunburnt berries of Petit Rouge. • Meteorological effects on phenology and growth of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in central Italy and development of IPHEN (Italian Phenological network) simulation models to predict response to climate change and disease. • The relationship between climate variability and phenology of 6 varieties in central Italy. • Effects of canopy management on microclimate dynamics and grape quality using a wireless sensor network for real time monitoring (hourly) of canopy and cluster temperature in Tuscany. • Impact of row orientation on berry quality parameters of Riesling grown in Geisenheim, Germany. Total soluble solids were higher and malate lower in E-W rows. Tartrate was unaffected by row orientation. • The development and validation of model to predict vine transpiration in the Dao region of Portugal. • Influence of winter pruning time on phenology of some varieties in Italy. Delayed pruning generally led to delayed fruit maturation, i.e. lower sugar, pH and higher titratable acidity at harvest. • Influence of training systems and cultivation on Nitrogen content and fruit composition of Muller Thurgau and Sylvaner grown in Franconia, Germany. Nitrogen and YAN content were increased by lower yield, nitrogen fertilisation, soil cultivation and irrigation during dry periods. • The use of forced bud experiments to calibrate grapevine bud break models. • Spatial analysis of frost risk and hazard zoning using digital geographic information, field information and grower surveys in Burgundy, France. • Response of leaf and stem water potential in Temperanillo to different water regimes in the Duero Rover valley of Spain. • Impact of water status on abscisic acid in leaves and fruit of Baco Noir grown in Canada. • Foliar application of abscisic acid (ABA) to advance fruit ripening and cold acclimation of Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin in Ohio, USA. • A leaf gas exchange model that accounts for nitrogen status and within canopy light gradients developed in France. • Recovery of Cabernet Sauvignon from long term water deficits in Australia.

• Effect of lag phase water stress on berry shrivelling and recovery in Cabernet Sauvignon. • Effect of vineyard trellis system (VSP and minimal pruning) and water status on aromatic precursors in Viognier grown in Southern France. Seventeen glycoside precursors were identified by GCMS. VSP and minimal pruning when not irrigated produced high levels of aromatic precurors, whereas irrigated minimal pruned vines

had lowest glycoside levels but the highest levels of C6 compounds. • The use of sap flow sensors and leaf water potential for irrigation scheduling in a Viognier vineyard in Southern France trained with VSP and minimal pruning systems. There were good correlations between predawn leaf water potential and sap flow measurements. • Correlation of real time monitoring of canopy temperature with soil moisture content, standard vine physiology measurements of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown under two irrigation treatments in the central valley of California. • Relationships between climatic data, leaf gas exchange and anthocyanin content in Nebbiolo in 3 Italian provinces with different soil and climatic conditions. • Agronomic performance of Graciano, Petit verdot and Tempranillo under two water regimes in Spain. • Biochemical approaches to study the effects of temperature on Sangiovese grape composition in Italy. High temperature (up to 40oC reduced anthocyanins by up to 50%). • An analysis of climatic risk factors on Botrytis infection in Hungary.

Session 6. Viticulture R&D within rapidly changing innovation and funding systems.

There were no papers published in the proceedings for this session.

Hannes Schultz provided an overview of the viticulture R&D in Europe with emphasis on the German situation. He indicated budgetary pressures to increase external earnings above the current levels of about 35% and to decrease staff. He indicated that energy costs are a high component of total expenditure. He indicated that future research must have ‘social value’, vision and conviction underpinned by development of private:public partnerships. He stressed the the benefits to be gained from masters and PhD research projects which add value to research programs, mentioned the successful European Master of Science of Viticulture and Enology program and identified International collaboration as critical, including the development of North:South hemisphere alliances. He also indicated that future research would embrace cross commodity interaction, impacts of climate change, sensory sciences and product development, teaching and education and new forms of communication. He identified 5 key government themes which must be embraced by future viticulture/wine research programs.

1. Sustainability, resource protection and the food chain 2. Biodiversity 3. Rural and Urban development 4. Healthy food and nutrition in an aging society 5. Consumer protection

Peter Hayes provided an overview of the statutory GWRDC funding model in Australia for pre-competitive research with levies collected for production and wine research based on production matched by government co-investment and further inputs from research providers and private investment. He stressed the importance of international collaboration and ‘open innovation’. He also outlined the importance of industry engagement and mechanisms for setting research priorities and the importance of delivering the results to industry. He indicated that there should be opportunities for future international collaboration in pre-competitive research areas. (The subsequent discussion indicated that many other countries believed the Australian experience/model had been very successful). He suggested that future viticulture research would address vine resilience (in the face of climate change, shortage of water etc.), vineyard productivity and regional characteristics (distinctive and stable).

An industry perspective was also given by the head of a key company in the ASTI region of Italy. He indicated the importance of research cooperation in Europe and stressed that the consumer should be the key driver of research activity (i.e. ‘consumer is king’). From an industry perspective he stressed the importance of 5 key elements:-

1. Brand recognition 2. Terroir (unique and different, a marketing story) 3. Grape variety (marketing story) 4. Vintage (seasonal differences, a marketing story) 5. Value for $ spent (greater focus).

He indicated that research should match the above key elements. Issues of importance from a research perspective included:-

• market trends as a driver of research • sustainability, carbon footprint and environmental health • health, consumer protection and production of lower alcohol wines (eg. early harvest). The involvement of the WHO and the ‘wine in moderation’ message. • quality of European wines including an increase in the adoption of varietal wines • impacts of overproduction in Europe, promotion and potential changes in wine tax and excise.

In this session there was general discussion around international collaboration, potential to undertake North/South hemisphere research to improve efficiency and the complexities involving bilateral and multilateral agreements.

Session 7. Vineyard management

The invited presentation was given by N. Dokoozlian. on crop load studies, imposed by cluster thinning, designed to explore relationships between vine balance (yield to pruning weight, Y:P) and wine flavour development in spur pruned Cabernet Sauvignon. Treatment yields ranged from 4, 15 and 30 t/ha with yield to pruning weight ratios of 3 (undercropped), 8 (balanced) and 14 (over-cropped). While there was a month difference in reaching adequate levels of maturity, the accumulation of impact aroma compounds was uncoupled from sugar accumulation. Berries from balanced vines accumulated beta-damascenone

(dark fruit aromas) more rapidly and had lower levels of isobutylmethoxypyrazine (green aroma) than the other treatments. Hence optimum flavour profiles were reached at lower soluble solids levels for the balanced treatment than for the under-cropped treatment. The results show the importance of crop load in the regulation of flavour development during ripening as well as potential to obtain optimum fruit flavours at lower soluble solids levels when crop loads are properly regulated.

Peter Dry presented an assessment of management studies to reduce bunch temperatures and overexposure of bunches in Australian vineyards. In existing vineyards these included irrigation strategies, canopy management, vineyard floor management, avoidance of leaf removal in the bunch zone, artificial shading and particle film technology. In new vineyards the potential to manipulate bunch exposure by row orientation, choice of rootstock and scion varieties with better heat and drought tolerance was discussed.

Krasnow et al. reported on the effects of the timing of bunch girdling (pre véraison, after véraison and during ripening) on fruit growth, firmness and composition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay vines grown at UCD Davis, California. Anthocyanin accumulation was retarded in girdled fruit. Fruit from clusters girdled pre véraison did not accumulate anthocyanins. The results showed that a phloem connection is necessary for rapid softening of fruit prior to véraison and that sugar accumulation was closely linked to anthocyanin production. Gentilesco et al. reported on the effects of crop load and the timing of trunk girdling on the performance of Sugrathirteen tablegrape variety grown in Italy. The results indicated that a combination of trunk girdling at berry set and cluster thinning improved berry size, sugar content and firmness.

Rustoni et al. reported on the effect of growing conditions, clone and management (exposure) on anthocyanin profiles of Sangiovese grown in Tuscany, Italy over three seasons. There were significant effects of season and clone on the percentage of acylated compounds. Early harvest and bunch exposure produced grapes with a lower proportion of acylated compounds. Differences in anthocyanin profiles in grapes were reflected in the wine.

Holzapfel and Smith reported on the influence of management practices (cropping level, early and late water deficits and post harvest hedging) on Nitrogen reserves of the perennial structure (wood and root tissue) of Shiraz grown in Australia. In general the treatments had minimal effect on N reserves. N was lowest during maturation, and highest in winter in wood and in the roots at flowering. Bunch removal increased N reserves at leaf fall, while water deficit increased N in the roots at véraison.

Clingeleffer et al. showed that rootstocks were a useful tool to manipulate vine vigour and fruit quality, based on results with Shiraz grown in Australia. Rootstocks which confer low vigour to the scion and maintained reasonable yields had improved fruit and wine composition and reduced transpiration indicating increased water use efficiencies.

Lafontaine et al. reported on the effect of rootstock on anthocyanin concentration in berries and extraction in wine of Pinot Noir grown in Germany. Rootstock had no effect on anthocyanin content in the berries but produced some differences in wine anthocyanins associated with differences in total soluble solids and alcohol content.

Yuste et al. reported on the influence of rootstock on vegetative-reproductive development and grape quality of Tempranillo grown in Spain. Rootstocks conferring higher vigour to the scion were not always the most productive. Low yielding rootstocks had higher sugar levels and polyphenols and low acidity.

Papi et al. studied the effects of defoliation and cluster thinning on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Sangiovese grapes grown in Tuscany, Italy over three seasons. Berry and bunch weights were increased by cluster thinning and decreased by early defoliation. Early defoliation increased increased berry phenolics and antioxidant activity. Gomaz et al. found that early leaf removal reduced cluster compactness and improved fruit composition and wine quality and reduced waste associated with bunch rots of the Mando variety grown in Spain.

Greven et al. studied the influence of crop load (2-6, 12 node canes) on vine performance and fruit characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc grown in New Zealand. Low yielding treatments promoted vegetative growth but were able to ripen the fruit more consistently across seasons. Acidity was lower for treatments with higher yield. McGourty et al. reported on the use of improved clones and training systems to improve yield and quality of Sauvignon Blanc in California. Clones with small clusters and lower yields ripened early compared to clones with larger clusters and yields. Cane pruning produced higher yields than spur pruned vines on a VSP trellis.

Martinez de Toda and Balda successfully decreased alcohol level in Tempranillo grown in Northern Spain by using a double harvest technique. In the study, blending early harvested fruit with fruit harvested at the traditional time reduced alcohol content from 14.8 to 10.6%, but had no effect on phenol content or colour, although the blended wines were perceived as more acidic and less full bodied.

Gribaudo et al. reported on the spread of viruses after replanting with virus free clones of Nebbiolo in 2 vineyards located in north West Italy. In one vineyard, 25% of the plants were re-infected after 17 years with leafroll disease and the rugose wood complex. The role of mealy bug transmission is discussed. The authors conclude that the use of healthy material is economically viable despite re-infection over time.

Posters presented in this session included:-

• the effect of rootstock on Merlot reproductive development when grown in a cool climate in Australia. Compared to own rooted control, rootstocks increased fruit set and decreased the incidence of Coulure and Millerandage.

• effect of rootstock (1103 Paulsen, SO4 and Richter 110) on vine performance of Shiraz in South East, Brazil. There was no effect of rootstock on yield or soluble solids, but 1103 Paulsen produced high levels of berry colour and decreased acidity. • the use of physiological indicators of crop water status (stomatal conductance, stem water potential) to optimize irrigation of table grapes in Italy. • investigations of ripening disorders such as berry shrivel in Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Washington State, USA. • effects of irrigation on vigour, yield and berry composition of Touriga Nacional grown in Portugal.

• effect of leaf removal on the performance and berry composition of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon in 5 different Italian environments over 4 seasons. Overall enhancement of fruit quality by leaf removal was greater for Sangiovese than for Cabernet Sauvignon. • effect of deficit irrigation treatments on Barbera wines grown in Piedmont, Italy which demonstrated benefits from the use of some irrigation in high stress seasons. • influence of moderate irrigation on agronomic behaviour of Tempranillo in Arribes, Spain. The study reported that irrigation treatment produced small increases in physiological activity, vegetative growth and yield (berry and cluster weight), higher sugar levels and pH, lower acidity but had no effect on polyphenols. • a ten year study of seven high density training systems for the Sagrantino variety in Italy. Best results in respect to yield, polyphenols and management were achieved with a spurred cordon. • effect of cluster thinning on vine performance of Shiraz in South east, Brazil. Thinning had little effect on plant water status and photosynthesis but increased starch levels in leaves. Thinning had a negative effect on grape composition, i.e. higher acidity, lower pH, phenols and anthocyanins. • the effect of anti-transpirant (Vapour Guard) application on must composition and crop load of Sangiovese grown in central Italy. Vapour Guard applied during ripening delayed sugar accumulation and reduced anthocyanins and polyphenols concentrations. • a study with Montepulciano grown in central Italy which showed that crop load was more important than canopy density in influencing berry and wine composition. Early defoliation, which decreased yield, produced the highest quality wines. • effect of leaf removal at véraison on Cannonau grown in Sardinia, Italy. Leaf removal produced significant improvements in berry colour but had no effect on polyphenols. • a study which showed that rotundone, the ‘peppery’ sesquiterpene, rapidly increased after véraison in Shiraz grown in New Zealand. • the effect of rootstock on Marzemino performance when grown in Trento Italy. The study reported that rootstock choice had the potential to influence must composition (organic acids, pH , K, and N) and botrytis susceptibility. • canopy management (leaf removal) to reduce pH of Tannat grapes and wine produced in Uruguay. Partial defoliation of shaded canopies reduced wine pH without effects on other quality parameters. • measurement of microclimate in vineyards with different vigour and exposure for the variety, Nebbiolo grown in northern Italy. • effect of artificial shading on polyphenols and aromatic compounds in Grillo grown in Sicily. Severe shading reduced sugar levels, and proanthocyanidins in the skin but increased free and bound aromatic fractions. • relationships between row and leaf orientation of Shiraz grown in South Africa. • factors involved in abnormal graft union development in Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa. Swelling of the graft union was associated with phloem blockage. Trunk size below the graft union was related to soil type. • effect of crop level on Merlot wine quality in Croatia. Reduction of crop by bunch removal increased quality (anthocyanins, phenolics) and aging potential of Merlot wines.

• the effect of post-véraison trimming on berry sugar and phenolic accumulation of Sangiovese grown in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. Late trimming was an effective tool for slowing down sugar accumulation without changing phenolic maturation. • effect of early leaf removal on yield and wine quality of Loureiro grown in Portugal. Removal of basal leaves prior to fruit set decreased yields and improved wine quality. • mechanical pruning of Alfrocheiro variety, grown with vertical shoot positioning in Portugal. Mechanical pruning increased yields due to an increase in bunch number with little impact on wine quality. • performance of different varieties grafted on 110 Richter rootstock in Turkey which showed that compatibility of 8 varieties tested was satisfactory. • pollination tests with alternative varieties to improve set of Lambrusco Do Sorbara, a variety with sterile pollen. • assessment of accumulation patterns for 13 rare earth elements in grapevine leaves using ICP-MS mass spectrophotometer. No links between rare earth element concentrations and vine performance is provided. • the potential use of the late ripening, Italian variety Roscalia, for production of sparkling wine. • clonal effects on performance of Tannat in Uruguay. Clonal differences were reported in soluble solids, anthocyanins and wine fruit aromas.

Academy of wine presentations

Three inaugural presentations were given as part of the formation of the Vine and Wine Academy. The first presentation given by Alain Carbonneau was titled ‘Wild Grapevine and Cultivated Grapevine: Where is the frontier’. It covered the history of Vitis vinifera silvestris and Vitis vinifera sativa in Europe. The second paper ‘Wine, Alcohol and Health: what are the questions we must ask’ was presented on behalf of Marie-Annette Carbonneau by Alain Carbonneau. This paper was a very interesting review that addressed the issues of wine and health including relationships between alcohol consumption and risk of mortality; potential beneficial effects of wine against cardiovascular, diseases, cancers and Alzeimer disease and relationships between moderate alcohol consumption and life span. The paper concludes that the beneficial effects of wine could be due to a protective effect of polyphenolic compounds in red wine. The third presentation was given on a consumer study by Boatto, Cargnello and Galletto on ‘Knowledge and Perception of the Prosecco wine amongst foreign people’. The study was undertaken by interviewing foreign visitors visiting the Veneto region of Italy. It highlighted the importance of the internet as a source of information.

GiESCO Scientific Committee meeting (02/09/2011)

The chairman, Alain Carbonneau reported on the success of the 17th GiESCO Symposium with more than 160 oral and poster presentations fully documented in the proceedings. There was discussion in regard to conduct of poster sessions, format and timing of GiESCO Symposia, the future role of the Academy for vine and wine, increased involvement of oenologists and agribusiness personnel. A voluntary membership fee of 60 Euros was also confirmed.

The next meeting will be held in Porto Portugal 7-13 July, 2013 to be coordinated by Jorge Queiroz. He suggested that the delegates should find the use of 340 varieties, 240 only grown in Portugal to be of particular interest. There should be ample opportunities to visit various regions in Portugal as part of the GiESCO symposium.

Note: Proposals to run the 18th GiESCO meeting were received from France (2), Spain, Argentina/Chile, Oregon as well as Portugal. It is likely the next meeting will be held in Oregon in 2015 although there was a lot of discussion re Europe vs. other countries and frequency of symposia, travel costs etc. Potential to link with other meetings (e.g. OIV) was also discussed.

There were suggestions for additional activities for GiESCO, i.e. publication on the Web site and publication of regular newsletters which could include harvest updates etc. Greg Jones, Oregon offered to edit such information.

There was discussion that the current drivers of GiESCO, including the president Alain Carbonneau (France) and Giovanni Cargnello (Italy) were reaching retirement age and that a future plan for their replacement should be developed over the next 12 months.

There was some discussion re publication in GiESCO proceedings and conflict with the copyright requirements of Scientific Journals. It was noted that this had not been a problem to date but that all GiESCO presenters should be aware of the issue.

There was discussion re funding of GiESCO and website development. The discussion included potential to down load and pay for GiESCO articles. This could make the copyright conflicts a greater problem as papers are only currently available in proceedings of symposia and not easily obtainable.

The current voluntary membership fee has been set at 60 Euro. There was a suggestion that this fee should be added to the registration fee of attendees to Symposia.

There was discussion that Symposia proceedings should be electronic to avoid carrying large volumes of papers.

Field trip to North Peidmont

As part of the Symposium, delegates were offered a choice of field trips. I visited the North Piedmont, Ghemme and Boca region located at the foot of the Alps. The Northern Piedmont region only accounts for 5% of the total Piedmont but is important, historically with many ancient varieties and a high reputation for wines. This tour was led by Anna Schneider, the ampelographer from the University of Turin.

Soil types are diverse, ranging from those formed from sedimentary calcareous rocks (pH 7.5 to 8.5) to those formed from granite and schist (pH 5.0-5.5) giving complexity to wines.

Figure. Soil from a sloped vineyard in the Ghemme region showing mixture of granitic and sedimentary rocks.

The region features a cool climate and high rainfall (1200-1500 mm) which occurs in summer and autumn. As a consequence, significant problems with downy mildew on young leaves were noted.

Figure. Downy Mildew infection on young leaves.

The region is famous for its Barolo and Barbaresco red wines based on Nebbiolo but known as ‘Spanna’. Other varieties are used to give ‘personality’ to the wines, particularly Croatina which is known as Nebbiolo, Vespolina, Uva Rara (Lambardi) and Barbera. Croatina is used to add colour to the wines while Vespolina is used to add perfume characters. The main white variety is Erbaluce, but called Greco. A small percentage of Greco may be added to red wines to enhance aromas.

The region contains some very old plantings and traditional trellis systems dating back to Roman times, although all vines have been grafted and hence planted after the incursion of Phylloxera into Europe in the mid 1800’s. One of the traditional trellises is the ‘Maggiorinoi’ system where up to 4 vines are planted in the one hole, to help contain the vigour, with the vines trained with four permanent arms to form an upside down pyramid with individual canes attached in four directions to provide a large, open canopy to optimise light interception (see figures below). In some cases more than one variety was planted in the same hole.

Figure. Traditional Maggiorino training system highlighting large canopy (top left), more than one vine located in the same hole, and development of permanent arms (top right) and cane pruning in a square formation (bottom) in the Boca region.

All vineyards in the older Bocca region visited appeared to contain many varieties. Varietal types of interest included a local, unnamed Vitis vinifera, Tenturier selection with red juice (see figure below) and local aromatic selections of Grecco, (Malvasia types with intense flavour, see figure below). Note: I was able to identify Sultana growing in an old Boca vineyard.

Figure. Local Tenteurier selection growing in the Bocca region in North Piedmont

Figure. Local Greco (Malvasia type) with intense aromatic flavour and golden colour (left) and Sultana growing in an old Boca vineyard (right).

In the old Boca vineyards many varieties appeared to be severely infected with leaf roll virus and problems with Esca (Flavescence Doree) were widespread. Problems with poor fruit set were also noted.

Figure. Problems associated with disease noted in an old Boca vineyard in the North Piedmont. They include leaf roll virus symptoms in a white variety with almost no crop (top left) and a red variety (top right), Esca, Flavescence Doree (bottom left) fruit set problems leading to hen and chicken symptoms (bottom right).

A visit was also made to a newly planted vineyard on steep slopes in the Ghemme region with mixed soil types described above. The land was registered for viticultural use in 1083 AD. Connected terraces have been formed to facilitate mechanisation (see figures below). Rootstocks used are 3309C and 101-14 to decrease vigour. Kober 5BB and 420A are also being assessed. The vineyard is not cultivated with grass maintained to decrease vigour. No herbicides are used. Wines tasted from the vineyard included a Nebbiolo Rose (received overnight skin contact), a sparkling Nebbiolo (14% alcohol, received overnight skin contact), Vespolina with good colour and tannins and a spicy character described as Rotundone like, an older 2005 Nebbiolo with spicy character and good colour and a 2004 ‘big’ Nebbiolo, which had astringent character.

Figure. Views of modern vineyard with formation of terraces to facilitate access and mechanisation.

Visit to grapevine collection with Anna Schneider in the La Morra region

En route to the grapevine collection, the greenhouse facility of Dr Franco Mannini was inspected. This is used to maintain virus free foundation clones, recognised as official source material. The facility excludes insects to eliminate potential virus vectors and is also sprayed automatically with insecticide (figure below). Fifteen clean foundation Nebbiolo clones and 6 clones of Dolcetto are included in this facility as well as clones of other italian varieties or imported varieties from France.

Figure. View of insect free containment facility used to maintain virus free foundation clones of important varieties.

The grapevine variety collection is located near in the Tanaro River region in the northern piedmont region. Emphasis is placed on maintaining old varieties from the Piedmont region. It includes 650 accessions of 450 varieties, including 350 local varieties, i.e. approximately 30% of all varieties grown in Italy. It includes the 65 varieties listed for wine production in the Piedmont region. It was first established in 1992 but has recently been replanted due to problems with Esca (FD). Groups of five or 10 vines are maintained for each variety grafted on 420A or Kober 5BB rootstock. Compatibility problems with these rootstocks have not been found. Richter 110 is also being trialled to reduce vine vigour. Performance data are collected if resources are available. Maintenance of the collection is expensive. The material in the collection has been used for genome, varietal relationship, diversity and wine making studies, including detailed studies on ancient muscat types (see figure below).

Figure. Example of a brown muscat type (Greco Rouge) maintained in the collection and managed with vertical shoot positioning.

An example of the development of a ‘new’ variety by natural mutation was shown. The black variety, Panache, has naturally formed mutants where some berries are segmented to produce white striations. Some bunches have black and white berries. Some canes produce black and white bunches, while a stable white mutant has been successfully propagated and maintained (see figure below). Both Panache and the stable white mutant displayed leafroll symptoms.

Figure. Natural mutants of the Panache variety showing a bunch with black and white berries on one bunch along a cane (top left), a bunch with some white berries (top right), segmented colour on a single berry (bottom left) and a propagated, stable white selection (bottom right).

Regional visit to La Morra region (with Anna Schneider)

The La Morra region of 712 ha produces more than 35% of the DOCG Barolo wine together with 13 other DOC wines. Development in the region dates back to Roman times. There is conflict among traditional winemakers and commercial wineries who have moved to include

must heating to extract more colour and excessive use of SO2 producing less elegant wines with poor aging characteristics.

Figure. Views of the La Morra region showing the elevated La Morra township (top left) and extensive plantings of grapevines across the region (bottom right).

A visit was made to a traditional vineyard and winery producing Barolo wine, i.e. Rinaldo wines. Wine is exported to the USA, Japan, Norway, the UK, France and Germany for about 25 Euros per bottle. Markets are also being explored in Russia, China and India. Other outlets include cellar door sales, direct sale to restaurants and wineshops.

Almost all vines are cane pruned (1 cane) and managed with vertical shoot positioning of the canopy (see figure below). The main varieties grown were Nebbiolo which is harvested between 25-27 oBrix to give alcohol levels of 13.5-15%, Barbera and Dolcetto.

Figure. Cane pruned, vertical shoot positioned Nebbiolo in the Rinaldo vineyard.

The harvest for the Rinaldo winery had commenced in the last week of August, 2 weeks earlier than normal. Yields of 8t/ha are typical for Nebbiolo vines used to produce Barolo wines. The fruit is hand picked and delivered in plastic trays to the winery (see below). It is fermented in open fermenters for 4 weeks and matured in large barrels for 3.5 years. The barrels are used for 30 years. Bariques are not used. In total about 40,000 bottles of Barolo wine is produced and 150,000 bottles of other wines. Varietal wines were tasted of Malvasia Moscato (was Malvasia Bianco which goes back to the 16th century in the region), Ruche (a floral red variety with lovely aroma, soft), Dolcetto (purple, tannic), Barbera (low tannins, good acidity, good colour, black fruit and cherry flavours), and a range of Barolo wines produced from Nebbiolo in different vintages. The latter is produced from various vineyards with different soil types (i.e. sandy and clay soils) to give complexity and elegance.

Figure. Views of fruit delivery to winery and large barrels used for storage and maturation of Ronaldo wine.

Discussions with Anna Schneider, Ampelographer, University of Turin

These discussions highlighted the significant issues in old world viticulture in regard to the correct variety identification and naming, the use of synonyms, the development of natural mutants, the use of seedlings in varietal vineyards and selection of preferred clones.

• Grapevine seeds and pollen, from old cultures (7000 BC) indicate the long history of viticulture in the Po valley region of the Piedmont. Many Alpine vineyards and varieties have been abandoned. • Wide diversity in the Nebbiolo variety (and clones) with a number of relatives grown leading to substantial confusion, as highlighted previously with the use of Spanna as the name for Nebbiolo and Nebbiolo for Croatina. Vespolina is considered to be the father of Nebbiolo based on DNA typing with 60 markers. The white variety, Aneis is also thought to be related to Nebbiolo. • Vespolina is early ripening but is susceptible to bunch stem necrosis. • Bonardo grown in the Piedmont is actually Refosco Nostrano. • DNA typing has shown that local Tenturier types with red flesh were related to but not the same variety as Alicant Bouschet grown in France. These local red fleshed, Vitis vinifera varieties are used to enhance colour of red wines. • Local Malvasia type muscats, with a range of flavours have been grown since the 16th century (relic varieties). The identification and naming of aromatic white varieties in Italy is a mess. Greco is used for a number of white varieties. Malvasia is a popular name in Italy and used for a number of aromatic varieties. The University of Turin is currently seeking to rename Malvasia Bianco (which is in Australia and UC Davis) to Malvasia Moscato. Some local muscat types are seedlings. • There exists a black Malvasia with muscat character and a number of local aromatic muscat seedlings. • Bracetto is used to produce sweet red sparkling wine. • Sangiovese is very diverse with a wide range of mutants, some selected as clones although some selected clones are actually seedlings of Sangiovese. One of the Sangiovese mutants is seedless. • University of Bologna (Prof. Cesare Intrieri) is expected to release 2-3 low vigour rootstocks within the next 12 months with Plant Breeders Rights protection. These rootstocks are expected to be of significant benefit in the management of Nebbiolo which has high vigour. • Replanted vineyards may be fumigated to eliminate nematodes. • Major problem with the correct identification of rootstocks in Italy which are wrongly named by nurseries. For example a grower seeking to obtain material of 157-11, collected material from 7 nurseries which he had DNA typed. None of the material suppled was correct but included 41B, 161-49 and Riparia Gloire. • Greg Jones (Oregon) has analysed a 40 year data set covering phenology of 700 varieties grown in the collection in Conegliano in relation to climate change studies.

Discussion with Jesus Yuste from Spain re vine improvement

Jesus Yuste from Spain has published a book on Iberian varieties and clones. A good contact in regard to Spanish ampelography and FPS collection is Maria Alburquerque in Brunal. A further contact in Rioja is Enrique Garcia-Escudero, Viticulture in Logrono (a new institute).