Within-vineyard variability in vine vegetative growth, yield, and fruit and wine composition of Cabernet Sauvignon in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Abstract

Background and Aims: Spatial and temporal variability of vine vigour within a vineyard block, associated with variation in soil physical and chemical properties, affects yield, and fruit and wine composition. The objectives of this study were to measure this variability and possible causes for a commercially important vineyard area in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Methods and Results: Three vigour classes, and measurement of vine nutrient and water status, vegetative growth and canopy attributes, yield, fruit ripening profiles, and grape and wine composition over two seasons characterised vigour variability of Cabernet Sauvignon vines growing on the 'Gimblett Gravels' area of Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Vine nutrition and growth differed between vigour zones with extreme nitrogen deficiencies recorded. Vigour did not affect vine phenology. Normalised Difference Vegetative Index measurements quantified vigour differences. High vigour vines showed a higher yield, but fruit ripeness, wine anthocyanins and phenolics, and some sensory attributes were significantly reduced. Excessively leafy canopies associated with high vigour were responsible for these effects. Conclusions: Soil-induced vine nutrient deficiencies, rather than differences in vine water status, influenced vine vigour. Measures of vegetative growth and canopy attributes suggested negative implications of excessive shading with high vine vigour. Significance of the Study: This study showed the relative significance of nutrition in affecting vine vigour on sandy gravel soils. A good correlation between remotely sensed vigour zones, and grape and wine composition permit on-ground zonal management to minimise the negative effects of spatial variability.

Variability of Tempranillo grape composition in the Rioja DOCa (Spain) related to soil and climatic characteristics

“…Echeverría et al 7 indicated that the available water in the root zone is one of the factors that affect plant growth, yield, bunch rot, and berry composition. Similarly, King et al 8 pointed out that the preferred fruits were found in vines cultivated in shallow soils, in which the available soil water was the major control factor. Well drained soils are required to limit waterlogged vine roots, ultimately forcing deep root penetration to find water during times of seasonal drought stress.…”

“…indicated that the available water in the root zone is one of the factors that affect plant growth, yield, bunch rot, and berry composition. Similarly, King et al . pointed out that the preferred fruits were found in vines cultivated in shallow soils, in which the available soil water was the major control factor.…”

“…Soil characteristics and topography, together with climate, are the components of terroir that most influence grapevine growth and fruit quality . Different studies have demonstrated the relationship between some soil properties and grape and wine characteristics . On one hand, soil particles and pore distribution govern, both directly and indirectly, many physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the soil, and affect water and nutrient movement, soil hydraulic properties, and drainage .…”

“…[1][2][3] Different studies have demonstrated the relationship between some soil properties and grape and wine characteristics. [4][5][6][7][8][9] On one hand, soil particles and pore distribution govern, both directly and indirectly, many physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the soil, and affect water and nutrient movement, soil hydraulic properties, and drainage. 4 The effect of soil texture and physical properties on vine development and on grape composition has also been evaluated in different areas.…”

“…4 The effect of soil texture and physical properties on vine development and on grape composition has also been evaluated in different areas. [5][6][7][8] Cheng et al 5 found differences in grape composition associated with soil water and organic carbon content. Trought et al 6 indicate impacts of texture on fruit composition and also on vine vigor and vine earliness.…”