HR: 17:30h
AN: B44A-06 INVITED     [Abstracts]
TI: Changes in Winegrape Phenology and Relationships with Climate and Wine Quality
AU: * Jones, G
EM: gjones@sou.edu
AF: Southern Oregon University, 101A Taylor Hall 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520 United States
AB: During the phenological cycle of winegrapes, the timing of specific events and the length between the events are critical to the production of quality fruit and wine. In addition, winegrapes are typically grown in climates that optimize the ripening characteristics for specific varieties. These narrow geographical zones place the production of wine at a greater risk from climate variability and change than other more broadly based agricultural crops. To analyze the relationships between phenology, climate, and wine quality, data from three prominent regions in France-Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne-are used. Long-term phenological data for bud break, flowering, veraison, and harvest dates for Pinot Noir in Burgundy and Champagne and for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are examined for trends, climatic influences, and the general effects on wine quality. The results reveal significantly earlier events (6-14 days) with shorter intervals between events (5-12 days) across all regions. In addition, warmer growing seasons have clearly influenced these changes in the phenological cycle of winegrapes in France. Furthermore, changes in phenology and growing season temperatures are related to better fruit composition and increases in vintage ratings over the last 30-40 years. However, some of the warmest growing seasons, with very early phenology and short intervals, have resulted in lower quality. The results point to potential threshold issues whereby any further warming will likely compromise the phenological characteristics, ripening profiles, and wine quality of the varieties currently being grown.
DE: 4215 Climate and interannual variability (3309)
DE: 3309 Climatology (1620)
DE: 1600 GLOBAL CHANGE (New category)
DE: 0315 Biosphere/atmosphere interactions
DE: 0614 Biological effects
SC: Biogeosciences [B]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting