Soil type and soil preparation influence vine development and grape composition through its impact on vine water and nitrogen status

2018

The influence of soil type and preparation on vine development and grape composition was investigated in a 50 ha estate located in Saint-Emilion (Bordeaux, France) and planted predominantly with Merlot. Part of the vineyard was planted down the slopes and another part of the vineyard was planted on terraces, where soils were profoundly modified through soil preparation. Grape composition (berry weight, sugar, total acidity, malic acid and pH), vigor (pruning weight), vine nitrogen status (Yeast Available Nitrogen (YAN) in grapes) and vine water status (δ13C) was measured at a very high density grid of 10 data points per hectare. Water deficit was globally weak over the estate because of hig…