Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) is suspected to alter berry ripening and chemistry. This study performed a physiological characterization of GRBV infected grapevines with attention to the factors leading to chemical changes during ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon in two rootstocks, 110R and 420A. RB­(+) grapevines had transiently lower net photosynthesis; however, berry total soluble solids (TSS) accumulation was consistently reduced in the two years of study. Accumulation of anthocyanins and loss of titratable acidity and proanthocyanins were also delayed in RB­(+) plants. However, the comparison of samples with the same TSS led to lower pH and anthocyanins content. The reduction in carbon import into berries under mild and transient reductions in carbon fixation suggested an impairment of translocation mechanisms with RB­(+), leading into a desynchronization of ripening-related processes.

Plant water stress affects grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) berry composition and is variable in space due to variations in the physical environment at the growing site. We monitored the natural variability of grapevine water stress by stem water potential (Ψ) and leaf gas exchange in an equi-distant grid in a commercial vineyard. Spatial differences were measured and related to topographical variation by modeling. Geospatial analysis and clustering allowed researchers to differentiate the vineyard block into two distinct zones having severe and moderate water stress where it varied by 0.2 MPa. Differences in stem water potential affected stomatal conductance, net carbon assimilation, and intrinsic water use efficiency that were different in all measurement dates. The two zones were selectively sampled at harvest for measurements of berry chemistry. The water status zones did not affect berry mass or yield per vine. Significant difference in total soluble solids was observed (3.56 Brix), and in titratable acidity, thus indicating a direct effect of water stress on ripening acceleration. Berry skin flavonol and anthocyanin composition and concentration were measured by C18 reversed-phased high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The anthocyanins were most affected by the two water stress zones. The dihydroxylated anthocyanins were more affected than trihydroxylated; therefore, the ratio of the two forms increased. Flavonols were different in total amounts, but hydroxylation patterns were not affected. Proanthocyanidin isolates were characterized by acid catalysis in the presence of excess phloroglucinol followed by reversed-phase HPLC. Proanthocyanidins showed the least significant difference, although (+)-catechin terminal subunits were important predictors in a partial least square model used to summarize the multivariate relationships, predicting Ψ or the management zone. The results provide fundamental information on vineyard water status to discriminate harvest or direction to vineyard operators to modify irrigation management to equilibrate berry composition at harvest.

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV), the causative agent of grapevine red blotch disease, is widespread across the United States and causes a delay in ripening events in grapes. This study evaluates the effects of GRBV on Cabernet Sauvignon grape berry composition, grafted on two different rootstocks (110R and 420A) in two seasons (2016 and 2017). Total soluble solids, acidity, and anthocyanin concentrations were monitored through ripening and at harvest. Phenolic and volatile compounds were also analyzed at harvest to determine genotypic and environmental influences on disease outcome. Sugar accumulation through ripening was lower in diseased fruit (RB (+)) than healthy fruit across rootstock and season. GRBV impact was larger in 2016 than 2017, indicating a seasonal effect on disease expression. In general, anthocyanin levels and volatile compound accumulation was lower in RB (+) fruit than healthy fruit. Total phenolic composition and tannin content was higher in RB (+) fruit than healthy fruit in only 110R rootstock. Overall, GRBV impacted Cabernet Sauvignon grape composition crafted on rootstock 110R more than those crafted on rootstock 420A.

Methoxypyrazines (MPs) are fruit-derived extractable compounds that contribute to cultivar-specific aroma traits in wine, and greater concentrations can contribute to unpleasant vegetative aromas. Both light exposure and temperature have been reported to influence MP content in developing wine grapes, but individual effects of light and temperature are confounded. A novel method of manipulating light exposure with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) was used to impose light treatments with little or no effect on cluster temperature. Three treatments were imposed on developing fruit of Vitis vinifera (cv. Cabernet Sauvignon): 1) clusters exposed to direct sunlight, 2) clusters shaded by the grapevine canopy, and 3) clusters shaded by the canopy and exposed to supplemental LED light. Experiments were conducted over 3 years across pre-and postveraison periods of fruit development. A second experiment imposed the same light exposure treatments to ripening clusters on vines experiencing continual shoot growth during the postveraison period. Light exposure reduced 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) concentration of developing grape berries in the preveraison period independently of berry heating from solar radiation. Berry IBMP responded less to postveraison light levels, except on vines with active shoot growth, suggesting IBMP synthesis was continued during active vine growth but was suppressed by light. An inverse relationship of growing degree days (GDDs) with berry IBMP was observed, indicating high temperatures also reduce berry IBMP concentration. Response to temperature could result from either radiant heating of light-exposed clusters or from high ambient air temperature. Canopy management should consider the impact of both light and temperature on IBMP, and vine management practices should be adjusted appropriately to regional growing conditions and grape cultivars.

Use of plastics is ubiquitous in the food and beverage industries, with expanding usage in wine production. Common plastic additives, used to modify and improve applicability and durability of plastics, include phthalate plasticizers and bisphenols. Phthalates are used in many products, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), lubricants, and emulsifying agents. Bisphenols such as bisphenol A (BPA) and related BPA non-intent (BPA-NI) alternatives are used to harden plastics and are commonly used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy coatings. Migration of bisphenols and plasticizers into wine from plastic containers and closures has been studied using analytical tools such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Foodstuffs can become contaminated with plastic additives through food-contact processing and packaging materials, leading to environmental and human health concerns. This work reviews current food product use and regulations regarding plastic additives and potential leachates, particularly in wines, hazard analysis and critical control points approaches, alternative plasticizers, and bio-based plastics.