Orographic Effects on Berry Morphology and Chemical Composition of Carignan and Grenache Noir Grapes

Abstract

A variation in the climatic parameters of an orographic vineyard influences the growth and development
of vines and grapes. Understanding the effects of this is highly beneficial in determining how viticulture
practices can be modified to enhance grape quality. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of in-row
grape position, altitude and vigour on berry morphology and grape maturity. The effects of vigour, altitude
and in-row grape position on berry weight and diameter, titratable acidity, pH and sugar concentration
of Carignan and Grenache noir grapes grown in a vineyard located in Priorat were investigated in the
2021 vintage. The results show that Carignan grapes with a lower vigour demonstrated a higher sugar
concentration, berry weight and diameter, as well as lower titratable acidity, while the Grenache noir
grapes with a lower vigour achieved only a higher sugar concentration. The grapes at high altitude had a
higher sugar concentration in Carignan and higher titratable acidity in Grenache noir. Outer-row grapes
of Carignan were characterised by lower titratable acidity and a higher sugar concentration, berry weight
and diameter, while the outer-row grapes of Grenache noir displayed lower berry diameter, and a higher
pH and sugar concentration. Vigour and in-row grape position have stronger effects on berry morphology
and chemical composition than altitude. Sugar concentration is more susceptible than other parameters to
be influenced by variability in the vineyard conditions.