Yield and grape quality of three red grapevine cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) in relation to altimetry

Abstract

Environment has a great impact on berry composition. In this context we investigated the quality of extremely widespread grape varieties in Sardinia, cvs. Cannonau, Bovale sardo and Monica, cultivated at different altitudes. The work was conducted in a two-year period in two vineyards located respectively at 500 and 700 meters above sea level. Viticultural model and cultivation practices were the same for both vineyards. The following measurements were noted: (i) main phenological phases, (ii) yield and its components, (iii) must quality from veraison to harvest, and (iv) anthocyanin qualitative profiles at harvest. At higher altitude the phenological phases are delayed. Yield was not statistically influenced by altitude. The ripening of the main technological parameters, although similar among the vineyards, suggests that the effects of the different altitude are clear, but they vary according to year and are cultivar dependent. In cv. Cannonau, higher altitude promoted higher total soluble solids. The extractable anthocyanins were not influenced by altitude, although in all tested varieties the higher altitude favored a decrease in the ratio between non-acylated and acylated anthocyanins.