The growing environment is defined by hot, dry conditions, tempered by sea breezes moving inland from the coast, while high solar radiation drives canopy development and fruit composition. Together, these factors shape both ripening dynamics and wine style, producing structured red wines with clear varietal and regional identity.

Within this context, Principi di Butera, part of the Zonin1828 group, has embarked on a major operational rehabilitation—focused on vineyard recovery, water management and long-term sustainability.

Site conditions

Leading the transition is Paolo Tealdi, a Piedmont-born winemaker with extensive experience across the Langhe and Monferrato, appointed estate director in 2023.

“We’re on calcareous hill formations at 250–350 metres above sea level, only about 10 kilometres from the sea,” Tealdi explains. “That gives us constant natural ventilation, strong light, and a meaningful day–night temperature variation—factors that help keep ripening balanced.”

Compared to northern Italy, he notes, vine phenology runs earlier.

“Sicily’s mild winters mean we see an advance of roughly one month compared with the north. This year, even with late pruning, the canopy was already well developed by March.”

Summer conditions then slow the pace.

“High temperatures and prolonged dry periods limit vegetative growth. Harvest typically runs from early August for sparkling wine bases—where acidity is critical—through to early October for still red wines.”

Climate variability has added further complexity.

“When I arrived in 2023, vineyard condition was poor and required extensive recovery work. But the site potential was immediately clear. The task was to rebuild the vineyard system and translate that potential into consistent, identifiable wines.”

A tight team, vineyard to winery

Tealdi works closely with Gianluca Peirano, the estate’s viticulture manager and a long-time collaborator from Piedmont. Their approach is based on communication and joint decision-making.

“Gianluca and I are on the same page. I trust his experience, which is critical—especially in a climate like this, where conditions can force quick decisions.”

Together, they have restructured the estate’s operations: 125 hectares of vineyards, partial replanting with indigenous varieties including Nero d’Avola, Grillo and Inzolia, a full upgrade of irrigation infrastructure with systems designed for fertigation, winery workflow adjustments, and a gradual shift toward more sustainable vineyard practices.

Sustainability as an operating framework

For Tealdi, sustainability is not a buzzword, but an operating vision made tangible through through daily management choices.

“We’ve implemented phytoremediation systems, rainwater recovery, cover cropping, and composting of winemaking residues,” says Tealdi. “We also grow wheat, almonds and olives for agritourism, all within the estate. The goal is an integrated agricultural model where inputs and outputs are connected.”

In Sicily’s climate, water management is central. Summer drought can last for months, and vine water stress may occur as early as June. Under these conditions, irrigation decisions directly affect vine balance, yield stability and wine quality.

Using decision support to manage irrigation

To support irrigation planning, the estate has used the Vintel® decision-support system since 2018. Today, it is fully integrated into vineyard management.

“We don’t irrigate to push yields,” Tealdi says. “The objective is to maintain the vine’s physiological balance. Vintel® helps us identify when intervention is necessary—and when it isn’t.”

The irrigation module is the most actively used component. It allows the team to anticipate water stress, compare seasons, and estimate vine water requirements at different phenological stages.

“In 2023, we had virtually no rainfall from March through October. In 2024, rainfall continued until May. In that kind of variability, experience alone isn’t enough. You need objective data to make clear decisions.”

Precision where it matters most

Tealdi’s objective is clear: produce wines that reflect their Sicilian origin while remaining consistent, balanced and genuinely enjoyable to drink. Vineyard management decisions—from pruning to harvest timing—are made with defined quality targets and long-term vineyard performance in mind.

“Technology doesn’t replace the technician,” he says. “It helps us make better decisions—especially when climate becomes unforgiving.”

As Principi di Butera continues to expand its presence in international markets, the priority is building a resilient production model—one that can adapt to climate variability while remaining sustainable and maintaining wine quality year after year.

“True sustainability means making quality wines today without compromising our ability to do the same tomorrow. And to get there, every drop counts.”

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We sat down with Alessandro Gallo, a winemaker from Piedmont and director of the estate, to explore how Rocca di Montemassi is rethinking sustainability—not just in the vineyard, but across its entire agricultural ecosystem.

“We’re not just a winery. We’re a wine farm,” says Gallo.

Born and raised in Piedmont, Gallo began working with the Zonin group in 2004 at Castello di Albola in Chianti. In 2016, he also took the helm at Rocca di Montemassi. “Both estates are in Tuscany, but they couldn’t be more different—soils, climate, grape-growing potential—everything,” he explains.

That contrast has given Gallo the freedom to innovate. Unlike Chianti, with its stricter DOCG rules, Maremma offers more flexibility.“Here, we can experiment more freely with grape varieties and wine styles. We focus mainly on international reds like Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah, often blended, along with a small amount of Sangiovese. For whites, it’s Vermentino—which thrives in this region—and Viognier.”

From day one, Gallo envisioned a holistic, integrated farming model where every piece of the estate supports the others. “We began the transition to organic in 2016 and completed it in 2021. But our real leap was in designing Rocca di Montemassi as a true wine farm—a complete agricultural system that prioritizes local production, reduces waste, and enhances biodiversity.”That vision is now visible across the property. Alongside the vineyards are olive groves, wheat fields, pastures for native Maremmana cattle, and a wine tasting room.

“Our goal is to build an agricultural ecosystem that regenerates local resources and nurtures biodiversity. For instance, we plant fava beans between vineyard rows in the fall and plow them under in the spring to enrich the soil. The cows’ manure becomes fertilizer. We use no synthetic chemicals. It’s a closed, circular system that touches every corner of the farm.”

“It’s a closed, circular system that touches every corner of the farm.”

Smart tech for transparent sustainability

The Role of Digital Innovation

At Rocca di Montemassi, sustainability is as much about data as it is about field work. The team has embraced cutting-edge tools to support their goals.
“We’ve invested in recovery sprayers that minimize copper and sulfur loss during treatments. And since 2018, we’ve been using Vintel, a decision support system for irrigation planning” says Gallo.
“Vintel helps us irrigate precisely, based on both plant needs and our winemaking goals. It’s a big part of reducing our water footprint.”
He adds : “Using the platform, we can monitor the water status of each vineyard block and irrigate only when necessary—keeping vines in their sweet spot for optimal expression.”

“Vintel helps us irrigate precisely, based on both plant needs and our winemaking goals. It’s a big part of reducing our water footprint.”

Transparency Through Certification

To back up their sustainability claims, Rocca di Montemassi joined the italian Equalitas Sustainability Certification program in 2018. This gives them a structured way to track, measure, and report their environmental, social, and economic impact annually.

Telling the story: Wine tourism as an ally of sustainable wine making

The estate is also home to the Museum of Rural Civilization, housing more than 3,000 tools and photographs that tell the story of traditional Tuscan farm life. It’s a tribute to the butteri, the region’s traditional cattle herders.

“The winery tasting room and museum are essential parts of the farm experience” says Gallo. “They help visitors truly understand what it means to make wine sustainably, with respect for land and history.”Wine tourism, he believes, is a key ally in agroecological transition. “It creates both cultural and economic value rooted in the territory.”

Climate change, markets, and the road forward

Like many farms in southern Europe, Rocca di Montemassi is facing the challenges of climate change.“We’re seeing shifts in rainfall patterns and more frequent droughts. We have to rethink our grape varieties and how we manage the vineyards. Adaptation and planification are crucial” .”

But the challenges aren’t just environmental. “The market is changing, too. Consumers are more demanding, and global competition is fierce. That’s why we focus on quality, identity, and innovation.”

In short, Rocca di Montemassi is betting on a future where great wine comes from resilient farming, smart tools, and storytelling.
“We need to stay flexible, make smart decisions, and create value across the board,” Gallo concludes. “For us, innovation and sustainability aren’t just buzzwords—they’re how we plan to thrive.”

“We need to stay flexible, make smart decisions, and create value across the board”

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Nestled in the heart of Puglia, in the south of Italy, Masseria Altemura lies halfway between two seas, enjoying cool sea breezes from the Ionian and saline air the Adriatic.

The estate, acquired by the Zonin1821 group in 2000, covers 140 hectares of vineyards set in a unique terroir.  The soils, a blend of rock and clay, paired with a Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and mild winters—create the perfect environment for high-quality viticulture. The estate hosts a variety of prestigious grape varieties, including local gems like Aglianico and Primitivo.

Since 2005, the estate has been under the watchful eye of Antonio Cavallo, the vineyard manager and winemaker. A native of Puglia with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Bologna, Antonio brings a no-nonsense mix of traditional know-how and scientific curiosity to his work. “My goal,” he says, “has always been to let the native varieties speak for themselves—while giving them the right tools to do it.” explains Antonio “It’s about taking everything into account: from the climate and soil to the style of wine —every detail guides our decisions in the vineyard.”

Antonio gives us a picture of the estate vineyards: “Around 70% of the vineyards are planted with reds, with Primitivo making up about half of our production. We also grow Aglianico and Malvasia Nera. For white grapes, we have Malvasia, Fiano, Moscato, and Falanghina.” Yields vary depending on the variety: “For Primitivo, we are around 70-80 quintals per hectare, while for Fiano and the rosé production, yields are a bit higher, around 110.”

  “My goal, has always been to let the native varieties speak for themselves—while giving them the right tools to do it “.

A changing climate

Like many growers across southern Europe, Antonio has watched the local weather patterns slip out of sync. “Rain is coming at the wrong times, and it’s not just a few days—it’s entire seasons that look nothing like they used to,” he says. Take spring 2023, for example:  humid, wet, and unpredictable, it ushered in one of the worst downy mildew seasons in recent memory of the region, which is not usually exposed to high disease pressures. “But luckily we were not affected” Antonio says “We were prepared. We acted fast, monitored closely, and protected the fruit.”

Warmer winters are also accelerating vine growth. “This year Moscato budded in early March,” he says  “and within two weeks we were at two leaves. This precocity makes vines vulnerable to spring frost damage—a risk that used to be rare here.”

« This (phenological) precocity makes vines vulnerable to spring frost damage—a risk that used to be rare here. »

An irrigation strategy tailored to each variety

According to Antonio, the key to resilience is precision. Masseria Altemura uses a drip system which is triggered only when vines are exposed to real water stress—what is called ‘rescue irrigation.’ It’s a system designed for a region where the dry, hot summers can quickly turn punishing. “The idea isn’t to irrigate routinely,” he explains, “but to act when the vines actually need it—and in a way that fits the character of each variety.”

The Mediterranean climate—with its long, dry, and sun-soaked summers—offers both a challenge and an opportunity for viticulture. In the ripening season, when rainfall is scarce, irrigation becomes not just a support, but a strategic tool. “At that point, the vines rely almost entirely on us,” says Antonio. “And that means we can adjust irrigation to obtain a certain wine style.”

At Masseria Altemura, irrigation isn’t about simply quenching thirst—it’s a fine-tuned balancing act. Strategies are tailored to each grape variety, guided by the wine style they aim to achieve and informed by weather patterns and lessons from previous harvests. “If one year we ended up with overly tannic musts or yields that were too low, the following season we make adjustments to ease a bit more the water stress,” Antonio explains.

Precise water management is essential—not only to maintain the vine’s vegetative balance, but to shape wine style itself. “Every variety reacts differently to water, to stress, to the rhythm of the season” Antonio emphasizes. “Understanding the water behavior of each variety is key to striking the right balance between vigor and ripening, and create good wines”.

Over time, they’ve built detailed irrigation profiles for each grape. For example, white varieties are protected from excessive water stress to preserve their freshness and minerality. “For reds, we can stress a bit more, but it depends,” he says. “Negroamaro, for example, has very little resilience to drought—once it’s stressed, it hardly recovers. So, we make sure it never crosses that stress threshold. Primitivo, on the other hand, has delicate skins, so we pay very close attention not to water in excess in the last two weeks before harvest, to avoid berry splitting.”

“Everything comes back to knowing how each variety behaves under pressure,” Antonio adds. “That knowledge is what lets us guide the vine—and the wine—in the right direction.”

« Understanding the water behavior of each variety is key to striking the right balance between vigor and ripening, and create good wines. »

From manual to digital

Such precision might seem difficult to achieve, but for years, the estate has been fine-tuning its water management practices with monitoring tools like the pressure chamber. This device measures leaf water potential—the pressure needed to draw water from a leaf—providing a direct indicator of the vine’s hydration status. Unlike soil moisture sensors, this method offers a plant-centered perspective, especially valuable in viticulture. Yet, it’s a technique that demands experience and manual effort, requiring daily dedication to maintain consistent monitoring.

“When I first arrived in 2005,” Antonio recalls, “given the size of the estate, measuring leaf water potential throughout the summer meant having one person working full-time for three straight months.”

That’s why, since 2018, the estate has adopted Vintel®, a decision support system for precision irrigation. Vintel® offers daily simulations and forecasts of leaf water potential, making vineyard monitoring more accessible and strategic. From the beginning, it proved to be an ideal partner for Masseria Altemura’s approach. The platform is powered by multifactorial agronomic models that consider soil, climate, grape variety, and winemaking objectives, tailoring its recommendations accordingly.

Thanks to this integration, the estate now benefits from highly accurate water stress forecasts, drastically reducing the need for manual measurements. The result is a streamlined, time-efficient process that doesn’t compromise on quality.

“Today, thanks to Vintel®, we can simulate and forecast leaf water potential with precision,” Antonio explains. “We only use the pressure chamber to confirm the data. It lets us work more efficiently—and with greater peace of mind.”

« Today, thanks to Vintel®, we can simulate and forecast leaf water potential with precision [..] . It lets us work more efficiently—and with greater peace of mind. »

Innovation, Sustainability, and Terroir

Masseria Altemura stands as a prime example of how thoughtful agronomic management and innovation can meet today’s viticultural challenges—enhancing the potential of a unique terroir while ensuring sustainability and resilience.

That path, however, hasn’t always been smooth. “In the beginning, there was a lot of trial and error,” Antonio admits. “It took time and effort to calibrate the DSS, to define irrigation strategies and the water response profiles of each variety.”

And each year, the challenge begins anew.  As climate patterns shift and conditions evolve, strategies must be constantly reassessed. What worked one year may no longer apply the next. But at Masseria Altemura, years of field experience, combined with a data-driven approach, have shaped a resilient and adaptable system—one that not only navigates uncertainty but showcases the full potential of Apulian viticulture.

Today, thanks to Vintel®’s predictive power, Antonio can finally step away from the vines for a few days, even during the peak of summer. A short break, perhaps, but one that was once unthinkable.

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In 2022 and 2023, the region recorded historically low rainfalls, with less than 250 mm per year —making Perpignan’s climate more akin to that of Tunis than southern France. Even in 2024, with about 400 mm of rain, the figures remained below average, which typically ranges between 500 and 650 mm. The cumulative deficit over three years has been unprecedented.

According to the French Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM), despite some improvement late in 2024, groundwater levels remain alarmingly low as of March 2025.

For winegrowers, the impact has been severe, with yields dropping by as much as 30 to 50% in some areas, leaving the entire industry vulnerable. Given these challenges, sticking to traditional methods is no longer an option. Winegrowers must now evaluate every factor that influences their success and adapt practices and strategies to the changing climate.

The Importance of the first irrigation

Aurélie Mercier, Technical Director at Domaine Cazes (Advini group) in Roussillon, emphasizes that irrigation decisions must be based on multiple sources of information. “ “With water restrictions and drought conditions persisting for the past three years, we cannot afford to waste a single drop. To ensure efficient irrigation, we integrate a variety of tools and methods, including Vintel®’s decision support system (DSS), the pressure chamber, soil tensiometers, and visual indicators such as shoot length and apex monitoring. The key is cross-referencing these data sources to make well-informed decisions.”

At Domaine Cazes, where 100 hectares out of 300 are irrigated, the timing of the first irrigation is crucial. In 2024, for the first time, irrigation was triggered before budbreak due to historically low soil water reserves. “The soil was completely dry, no sap was dripping from pruning cuts and growth was blocked. “ . This lack of soil moisture can cause harmful conditions known as “delayed spring growth“, where dehydrated dormant buds struggle to reconnect with the vine’s vascular system. Without sufficient sap flow to repair winter embolisms and rehydrate buds, shoots may experience stunted growth, wilting, and, in severe cases, fruit abortion. By irrigating before budbreak, Domaine Cazes aimed to restore soil moisture early enough to prevent these issues and support healthy vine development.

“In 2024, for the first time, irrigation was triggered before budbreak. The soil was completely dry, no sap was dripping from pruning cuts and growth was blocked. “

With increasing restrictions on water use, precision becomes even more critical. “Due to water restrictions we can irrigate only five hectares per day, meaning the same plot will not receive irrigation more than once in 2-3 weeks. This means that we need to adjust our irrigation frequency and volume based on what is practically feasible and optimize our choices” says Mrs. Mercier.

The Role of Decision Support Systems Tools like Vintel® provide a significant advantage by modeling soil water availability, vine stress, and helping viticulturists anticipate depletion trends. “One of the most valuable features of Vintel® is its ability to track the dynamics of water loss in the soil’s Available Water Content (AWC). This allows us to plan and avoid critical stress levels,” explains Mercier.

“Due to irrigation restrictions, we can irrigate only five hectares per day, meaning the same plot will not receive irrigation more than once in 2-3 weeks. This means that we need to adjust our irrigation frequency and volume based on what is practically feasible”.

The key to a successful strategy

By comparing data from Vintel® with real-time field measurements, Domaine Cazes has been able to refine its irrigation strategy to meet both wine production goals and quality standards, even in challenging years. Whether producing structured red wines or fresh white wines, fine-tuning irrigation ensures the right balance between vine water stress and grape quality, allowing the domaine to maintain both high-quality yields and steady production despite the tough conditions.

For those starting with decision support system and Vintel®, Aurélie Mercier advises comparing multiple data sources at the beginning and calibrating models using pressure chambers to adjust parameters to match simulations in each reference plot, ensuring the accuracy of future predictions.

“With Vintel®, I can monitor changes in soil moisture in real time, which helps me anticipate each plot’s water needs and plan interventions more effectively”.

In the face of increasing climate unpredictability, leveraging technology and real-time monitoring is no longer an option—it is a necessity. Vintel® provides the insights needed to navigate these challenges, ensuring that each drop of water contributes to both vineyard sustainability and wine quality.

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L’article Turning data into drought resilience: the winning strategy of Domaine Cazes est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.

Vineyard irrigation and climate change

In addition to areas traditionally considered as “dry” during the growing season, new regions are increasingly showing the need of irrigation. The climate change underway is leading to an increase in temperatures and a reduction in rainfall in the summer period, increasing water stress in vineyards, which could potentially undermine both yield and grape quality. These changes will make it necessary to implement irrigation in viticultural areas for which drought is a new phenomenon. The increase in temperatures will also cause a reduction in the water resources available, making it necessary to decrease the water footprint by using deficit irrigation strategies which optimize water use efficiency.

Such practices are already routinely adopted in viticultural areas with limited rainfall throughout the production season. Indeed, irrigating with small amounts of water has the effect of reducing growth and canopy size, limiting transpiration losses and therefore maintaining production and quality at reduced water inputs. However, particular care must be exerted, as the line between moderate and excessive water stress is very thin and crossing it might lead to incomplete/unbalanced ripening and deteriorate the polyphenolic and aromatic profile of wines. For this reason, a deficit irrigation strategy needs to be carefully planned and its effects need to be continuously monitored.

What is deficit irrigation in viticulture

Deficit irrigation maximizes the efficiency of water use, by concentrating limited seasonal water supplies to drought-sensitive crop growth stages. Outside these periods, irrigation is limited or even unnecessary if rainfall provides a minimum supply of water. Water application is therefore inferior to the actual water needed for maximum growth. While this inevitably results in plant drought stress and some production loss, it maximizes productivity for a given amount of water and stabilizes yields.

For grapevine, the effect of water deficit on fruit growth varies according to the period during which it is applied. Research shows that it is greater when it is applied during berry formation (between flowering and veraison) when can limit cell division and expansion and decrease the final size of berries and total yield. Similarly, a stress applied at the time of flower bud differentiation can negatively impact fruitfulness and production the following year.

Fruit quality is also sensitive to water stress, depending on its levels. Whereas moderate stress can increase sugar concentration and anthocyanins and phenol compounds in berries (thereby enhancing wine color and aroma), excessive stress and high temperatures could cause a photosynthetic limitation reducing the accumulation of sugar. Finally, water stress can impact on acid content in grapes in interaction with temperature. This effect is particularly pronounced after veraison, when rapid acid degradation due to high temperatures and water stress can result in dull wines lacking freshness and crispness.

Using Vintel for deficit irrigation: an experimental study during the Italian drought of 2022

It is now clear that under climate change, the key to viticultural sustainability will be the adoption of smarter and more precise water management strategies. For that, it is crucial to have a complete vision of the water status of vineyards and its evolution over the production season. New technologies provide us with different tools that can support informed irrigation choices, and optimize water use during drought. One of these tools is the irrigation DSS Vintel, which uses accurate plant-soil models to simulate vineyard water status, and give irrigation recommendations, day by day according to production objectives.

A recent study by the university of Udine, Italy, has highlighted that Vintel can indeed help plan and optimize irrigation to preserve production and quality in areas hit by summer drought, which is becoming more and more frequent. Vintel  has been chosen by the University of Udine within the European project “Aquavitis” as a tool to conduct trials on the effects of water availability  and the impacts of climate change on the vineyards of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, in North-Eastern Italy.

Indeed, in the spring-summer of 2022 Northern Italy has experienced one of the worst droughts in the last 70 years, with precipitations reaching a historical minimum and rivers running almost dry. The drought has resulted in water restrictions and has hit hard the agricultural sector, as low river levels made irrigation difficult.

Paolo Sivilotti, the researcher who supervised the trials explains : ” The test was conducted in 2021 and 2022 near Udine. It analysed the response of Pinot gris, a typical variety from the region, to three different water treatments: no stress, moderately stressed, severely stressed. ” To monitor and maintain these water stress levels over the season, Mr. Sivilotti used Vintel, which simulates predawn water potential as an indicator of plant water status.

Using Vintel, water potential was mantained at:

• No stress : -0.2 MPa over the whole season
• Moderate stress : -0.35 MPa between flowering and harvest
• Severe stress : -055 MPa between flowering and harvest

” What was really interesting was to see whether a deficit irrigation strategy could help optimize water use and what level of stress should be maintained after flowering to ensure a satisfactory yield and grape quality. The DSS Vintel was the ideal tool to conduct this study because its models do not just simulate soil moisture but provide a direct estimate of the effect that soil water shortage has on vine water status. The pressure chamber measures made during the growing seasons confirmed the accuracy of simulations, making any DSS adjustment unnecessary.”

No water stress

Moderate water stress

Severe water stress

The results show that “the moderately stressed regime allowed to save 31% and 50% of irrigation water in 2021 and 2022  with modest impacts on yield and physiology, and without any repercussions on quality“. Indeed, a wine tasting panel has tried the wines produced in 2021, and no difference between the stressed and non-stressed wines has been remarked.

“Obviously more studies are needed to assess the best deficit irrigation strategies in different viticultural contexts.”

However, results confirm that under climate change, precision deficit irrigation can be a valuable strategy preserving production, quality and decreasing the water footprint of viticulture.

“Not only, during extreme events like the one that hit Northern Italy this summer, deficit irrigation might be the only possible alternative, if water restrictions are put in place or if water becomes too expensive.” In this context, tools like Vintel are precious allies to vine growers in the creation a climate resilient, more sustainable viticulture.

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L’article Vintel®, the best vineyard irrigation in times of climate change : the Italian experience est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.

Methods of detecting water stress

Direct visual observation

Direct visual observation of the canopy is a simple method for identifying water stress in vines. For example, the apex technique involves monitoring the growth of the shoot tips. If growth stops or the young shoots show signs of wilting, this is an indication of water stress. However, these qualitative methods often only detect stress only at advanced stages, making it more difficult to prevent damage.

Illustrations of apex methods:

Source : Observation of vine shoot growth: a simple and operational decision-making tool for monitoring the water status of vines in the vineyard (2023) Léo Pichon, Cécile Laurent, Jean-Christophe Payan, Bruno Tisseyre (OenoOne 57)

Measuring leaf water potential

Measuring leaf water potential is a more accurate quantitative approach to assessing the water status of vines. By assessing the pressure required to extract water from the leaves, winegrowers can determine whether the vines are receiving adequate hydration or are under drought stress. This technique uses a pressure chamber that applies controlled pressure to a leaf or small shoot. As the pressure increases, water is expelled from the cut section of the leaf, and the pressure at which the water appears can be used to measure the hydric potential of the leaf.

Variability of water potential

Leaf water potential varies throughout the day key measurements corresponding to precise moments:

Ÿ Pre-dawn water potential (or base potential) : measured before sunrise, when when plant and soil water potential are in equilibrium , this parameter is a crucial reference for assessing water availability in the soil.

Ÿ Midday water potential: measured during the hottest part of the day, this reflects the plant’s response to atmospheric demands, enabling us to assess the way in which the vine manages water stress on a daily basis.

Ÿ Stem water potential: assessed by enclosing a shaded leaf in a bag to temporarily stop transpiration, this test indicates the vine’s internal water status, independently of external evaporative conditions.

Of these measurements, pre-dawn water potential is often considered the most reliable for monitoring the vine’s actual water status. It provides an assessment of the internal hydration of plants, independently of immediate atmospheric conditions, and is therefore widely used to guide irrigation management in vineyards.

Monitoring water stress, a key to sustainable, high-quality production

Monitoring water stress is essential for maintaining healthy vines and ensuring the production of quality grapes. By combining visual observation methods with precise measurements of leaf water potential, winegrowers can make informed decisions about irrigation, protecting their crops from the harmful effects of drought and optimising water use.

In addition to these observations and measurements, the Vintel® Decision Support Tool models soil water content and basic leaf potential throughout the wine-growing season, helping advisers and wine-growers to monitor the water content of their vineyards.

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What is YAN ?

To convert grape sugars into alcohol efficiently, yeasts need sufficient quantities of assimilable nitrogen, mainly in the form of ammonium and amino acids… Among amino acids, some, such as proline, are not assimilable by yeast. This is because Saccharomyces cerevisiae, unlike other yeasts, lacks external proteases (enzymes that digest proteins) and therefore cannot hydrolyze peptides and proteins to extract amino acids. Therefore, YAN includes only ammonium ions (NH4+), free amino acids, and some peptides, which means that assimilable nitrogen can represent less than 50% of the total nitrogen.

Nitrogen requirements of yeast during fermentation

Scientific studies show that a YAN level above 180-200 mg/L is optimal for ensuring regular and complete fermentation. Lower levels can lead to incomplete fermentation, leaving residual sugars and producing wines of lower quality. According to the Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin (IFV), the minimum YAN level in a should be at least 140 mg/L, including 50 mg/L in the form of ammonia, toto prevent fermentation from stalling.

Furthermore, YAN also influences the aromatic profile of the wine. The production of aromatic compounds, particularly esters, largely depends on the amount of assimilable nitrogen available to the yeast. Generally, the initial concentration of assimilable nitrogen in the must is directly related to the quantity of aromatic compounds produced during alcoholic fermentation

Nitrogen fertilisation to improve must quality

YAN level is therefore a key indicator for winegrowers seeking to optimise the quality of their musts. Proper nitrogen fertilisation increases the nitrogen content of the berries. For example, trials carried out by the IFV between 2005 and 2009 showed that urea-based foliar fertilisation can boost the nitrogen content of berries by 50% to 100%, depending on the dose applied.

If musts are low in nitrogen, adding YAN as a nutrient during fermentation is an option. However, this method can result in different aromatic profiles compared to wines from vineyards with adequate nitrogen fertilization.

For example, a recent study on Chardonnay revealed that, while adding nitrogen in the form of diammonium phosphate or organic nitrogen during fermentation can achieve fermentation kinetics similar to those from vineyard fertilization, they produce wines with less pronounced tropical fruit aromas.

In summary, while cellar additions of nitrogen are effective for completing fermentation, conducting a balanced fertilization in the vineyard is preferred as it enhances the aromatic characteristics of the wine.

Using decision-support tools to control nitrogen nutrition

Decision-aid tools such as Vintel® are particularly useful for improving nitrogen nutrition in vineyards and, consequently, the fermentation process. These tools enable winegrowers to forecast the nitrogen requirements of their vines based on environmental conditions (soil, weather, cover crops) and the specific characteristics of plants (phenological stage, growth, target yield). Thanks to this data, winegrowers can fine-tune their fertilisation practices, optimising nitrogen uptake and, ultimately, the quality of their musts, ensuring that they ferment evenly to produce quality wines.

In short, precise fertilisation adapted to each vineyard is essential for producing high quality grapes and ensuring optimal fermentation. Effective management of assimilable nitrogen helps to prevent fermentation issues and produce top wines.

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L’article The importance of precise fertilisation for wine quality est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.

Nitrogen (N) plays a major role in all grapevine physiological processes. It is considered as a macronutrient, as it is required in larger amounts than the other mineral nutrients. It controls plant vigor and its absorption by the roots is dependent on the availability of water. A nitrogen deficient grapevine will not grow well, forming short inter-nodes, chlorotic (yellow) leaves and will produce less fruits with a reduced grape N content and possible delayed maturation.

Whereas nitrogen must be available to grant an adequate growth and photosynthesis, in viticulture too much nitrogen is also detrimental. Excess vigor leads to an extended vegetative growth period and competition with grape ripening. In addition, denser canopies and higher N content in leaves can increase vulnerability to fungal diseases.

In addition to controlling vegetative vigor, nitrogen affects the composition of grapes and the activity of yeast during winemaking. Indeed, nitrogen is a key yeast nutrient needed to carry out a successful fermentation and its presence as part of complex N-compounds in musts can affect the aromatic quality of wine.

All these functions make it difficult to control and to manage nitrogen fertilization in the best way. Since 2021, Vintel Nitrogen module by ITK provides a monitoring and forecasting service that can be used on a large scale to make the best decisions concerning N fertilization in a quick and cost-effective way to attain production goals.

How do you know how much nitrogen is needed by your vineyard ?

Fertilization is a regular practice for vinegrowers, and one which demands a particular expertise to attain the optimal balance between vigor and grape composition.

This expertise is even more relevant in a world that is more and more concerned with soil and environmental preservation. Indeed, wine growers are becoming increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of excess nitrogen leaking into the environment, causing water pollution and eutrophication. For this reason, over the past decades, the application of N in vineyards has been reduced with the aim of adjusting vigor and yield while preserving the environment.

In the last decades cover cropping has made its come-back in many vineyards, after a long period in which it was abandoned, as it was considered harmful for production. Indeed, whereas using cover crops have several benefits, ranging from soil protection to the control of  yield, in vineyards with low vigor, there is a concern of excessive competition for N resources with vines. In these cases, N-fertilizer application needs to be tailored to suit grapevines needs while considering the type of cover crop and its practices.

All these factors need to be considered when creating the nitrogen (N) management plan, to make the best use of N fertilizers. To conceive such plans it is very helpful to monitor vine N status and have a global vision of all the elements affecting its balance in the vineyard. A decision support tool  (DST) like Vintel Nitrogen module can provide these data in real time so that nitrogen management becomes easy and effective.

Vintel Nitrogen module predicts nitrogen availability

The new service within the Vintel DST, Nitrogen module boosts growers insight into the nitrogen status of their vineyard, informing decision-making.

This powerful solution makes it possible to visualize nitrogen stress and measure the impacts of nitrogen inputs on vine growth during the production season.  And off-season it helps adjust nitrogen application so that vines maximise their reserves and can re-start growth adequately. Because Vintel Nitrogen module considers the soil-plant water balance, it allows to apply fertilizer in the right amount to avoid leaking or wash out.  Moreover, the system provides a long-term weather forecast ranging several months in the future, that can help planning N purchase and application in the long term.

A nitrogen expert for winery management by the side of growers

Vintel Nitrogen module calculates daily nitrogen demands and consumption by plants, depending on nitrogen soil stocks, fertilizer application, cover cropping and other vineyard practices, and weather. This is possible because at the heart of Vintel Nitrogen module there are agronomic models of soil water balance, nitrogen mineralization and nitrogen allocation whose output provides an instant picture of your vineyard N status. Soil nitrogen dynamics over time are displayed through easy-to-interpret detailed graphs. Long-term weather forecasts allow to simulate the in season evolution of vineyard nitrogen, for a better planning of N-fertilizer applications.

Vintel Nitrogen module : for each plot, you can visualize detailed graphs showing nitrogen demands by the plant (top), nitrogen and water availability in soil (middle) and weather (bottom)

Vintel is a complete tool for the management of nitrogen allowing growers to :

• Visualise the peaks of nitrogen consumption in their vineyard for the ongoing season.
• Know when plants are stressed and consuming their own nitrogen reserves so to avoid their depletion
• Compare different fertilization strategies to see what is their potential impact over plant nitrogen and soil stocks
• Select the best cover crop for your vineyard and optimize its management (type, planting date, removal date etc.)
• Analyze the use of nitrogen in your vineyard after harvest. Is there sufficient N for building adequate plant stocks?
• Maximize the effectiveness of N applications by considering present and future water availability in the soil
• Save money by applying just the right amount of fertilizer at the right moment.
• Preserve soil and environmental resources by avoiding excess N application and N leak into the environment

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L’article Nutrient management planning in the vineyard: how to optimize nitrogen fertilization ? est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.

What diseases commonly affect vines in summer?

Oidium and Black Rot are two pathogens that can seriously affect leaves and bunches during growth and veraison. Powdery mildew, in particular, does not require rain or leaf wetness to develop, making it a threat even in summer, which is generally a less rainy period.Black Rot, on the other hand, poses the greatest threat to vines during the critical phenological phase between the fall of the flower caps and veraison.

Post-veraison, grey rot, or botrytis, is particularly problematic. This fungus feeds on the sugars contained in the berries, damaging the bunches and encouraging the development of acid rot. It also imparts unpleasant odours and flavours to the wines produced.

Major consequences for vineyard health and wine quality

The impact of these diseases on vineyard health can be devastating, reducing both yield and quality of the harvest. Grapes affected by these pathogens often lead to wines with undesirable aromas and tastes, far from the desired quality level.

Prevention : an effective strategy

Proactive control and prevention strategies are essential to protect vineyards from these summer diseases.

Vineyard maintenance for optimum management

It is important to select resistant grape varieties and prune properly to improve air circulation and reduce humidity, which limits the development of pathogens. Frequent inspection of the vines allows early detection of the first signs of disease. It is crucial to intervene immediately when symptoms appear to prevent the spread of disease.
The application of specific fungicides and biocontrol products, such as plant extracts or antagonistic micro-organisms, must be carried out in accordance with recommended treatment schedules or the predictions of disease DSTs (Decision Support Tools).
In the case of a plot sensitive to black rot, it is useful to use anti-mildew or anti-oidium products that also have an anti-black rot action to have a comprehensive defense strategy.

Vigilance for high-performance vineyards

Even in the drier summer months, we must not lower our guard. Vigilance and early intervention are crucial to maintaining healthy vineyards and guaranteeing high-quality wine production. Decision support systems (DSS), such as Vintel®, provide precise alerts on disease pressures. This enables winegrowers to optimise treatment timings and implement effective preventive measures, thereby enhancing vine protection and securing the future harvest against summer diseases.

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L’article Vine diseases in summer: prevention is better than cure est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.

With climate change, prolonged heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense. It is vital for winegrowers to understand the extent of these phenomena so that they can adapt their practices and protect their vineyards.   

Heat waves are periods with temperatures above 35-35°C that persist for several days. They can cause heat and water stress, affecting vine growth and grape quality.

However, it’s not just the temperature that defines a heat wave; the vapor pressure deficit (VPD) also plays a crucial role. VPD measures the difference between the amount of moisture in the air and the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature. A high VPD means the air is very dry, which increases the evaporation of water from the vine leaves. This leads to more intense water stress, as the vines lose water faster than they can absorb it.

These conditions of high heat and low humidity can cause both thermal and water stress, affecting vine growth and grape quality.

Identifying the risks for vineyards

Heat waves do not affect all vineyards in the same way. Different factors, such as geographical location, soil type and the age of the vines, influence the vulnerability of vineyards to these extreme conditions.

Vineyards in the Mediterranean or in arid regions are at greater risk.

Soils poor in organic matter, such as light and sandy soils can weaken plants. Young or poorly rooted vines are also more  vulnerable.

What impact do high temperatures on vines?

High temperatures can have a variety of, often negative, effects on vines. It is crucial to understand these impacts to adopt effective management strategies.

High temperatures contribute to stomatal closure, reducing photosynthesis and metabolic processes. Another impact is the acceleration of ripening, which can lead to over-ripening of the grapes. Finally, high temperatures can lead to undesirable changes in the chemical composition of the grapes, altering the sugar/acid balance and, ultimately, the taste of your wine. These effects are mainly due to the breakdown of organic acids and an increase in sugar levels, resulting in wines that lack ‘freshness’ and have higher alcohol contents.

In fact, high temperatures accelerate respiration and gluconeogenesis, processes that consume the malic acid accumulated during fruit ripening. Heat waves can also impact wine aromas. These are derived from various volatile compounds that are influenced by the growing conditions of the grapes. Heat can alter the concentration and profile of these aromatic compounds, affecting the bouquet and complexity of the final wine. Anthocyanines are also negatively affected by high temperatures, resulting in lighter colouring red wines.

Heat damage

Beyond direct heat stress, hot weather can cause various types of damages in vineyards. Proactive management is to minimising these risks.

Grape berries exposed to direct sunlight can suffer significant damage. High temperatures can cause sunburn, which manifests itself as brown and necrotic spots on the berries and results in dried up berries and leaves. This damage can not only reduce the quality of the fruit but also increase its susceptibility to infection and disease. 

Water stress is another crucial factor linked to high temperatures. When exposed to these conditions, vines need more water to maintain their physiological functions. Without adequate irrigation, this can lead to excessive water stress. Lack of water can reduce photosynthesis, slow growth and decrease sugar production in the berries.

Heat stress can also disrupt the absorption of nutrients by the vines. For example, the absorption of nitrogen, an essential element for plant growth and development, can be significantly reduced as a result of heat stress, especially when the soil is dry. This nutritional deficiency can weaken vines, making them more vulnerable to disease and reducing their ability to produce high-quality grapes.

What strategies can be used to protect vineyards from heat peaks ?

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to protect your vineyard from the effects of heat waves. Adopting appropriate practices can help to maintain the health of the vines and the quality of production.

• Targeted irrigation: Irrigate in large quantities and less frequently, to encourage the roots to go deeper into the soil. Pre-irrigating before a heatwave to can also help cool the foliage..
•  Adjust phytosanitary treatments: Avoid treatments withsulphur, terpenes or essential oils during high heat and sunny conditions, as they can cause burns.
• Canopy management: Prune and orientate your vines to maximise shade on the grapes. Favour an east-west orientation to reduce the exposure of the bunches.
• Mulching: Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
• Cover crop: Mow the canopy between the rows but do not leave the soil bare.

Embrace technology

Modern technology can be a huge help in managing your vineyard during heat waves. Decision Support Tools like Vintel® provide alerts and irrigation advice tailored to heat events, helping you stay proactive.

By understanding and applying these strategies, winegrowers can better protect their vineyards from the harmful effects of heat waves and maintain the quality of their production.

For more information, please contact us: Vintel® » Contact us | Vintel® (vintel-itk.com)

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L’article Managing heat waves in vineyards: effective strategies for vine growers est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.