Aim of the project:

Pinot blanc is one of South Tyrol's leading vineyard varieties, which has achieved international success due to its high quality. It is characterised by a relatively high acidity and a fresh, fruity aroma. However, the typical aromas are harmed by the warming climate in South Tyrol. Indeed, the start of ripening of the grapes has been anticipated by an average of two to three weeks from 1980 to 2010, and this showed a negative impact on the varietal aromas of South Tyrolean Pinot Blanc. One possible way to secure and even increase the quality of Pinot blanc would be to move the vineyards to higher and cooler sites.
To date, however, there are only a few scientific studies that investigate the quality of Pinot Blanc and can show the altitude influence on wine quality.
Therefore, the Pinot Blanc project aims at:

• Characterize the most important flavor molecules related to Pinot blanc quality and show their relation to altitude, cultivation and vinification techniques;
• Adaptation to the negative effects of climate change on aromas of Pinot blanc through the expansion of cultivation areas to higher altitudes;
• Increasing the quality potential of Pinot blanc wines and thus the international competitiveness of the South Tyrolean wine industry developing of a unique South Tyrolean Pinot blanc style that is internationally competitive.

Results achieved:

• Identification of the main chemical components related to the quality of South Tyrolean Pinot Blanc;
• Determination of the most important differentiating factors between higher altitudes and valley sites;
• Chemical characterisation of the aroma profile of Pinot Blanc wines from different altitude sites, mountain and valley.

These results were presented to the stakeholders of the South Tyrolean wine industry in the context of expert presentations at conferences and courses, as well as in a YouTube® - Live Event and in local and international trade journals and scientific journals. These results can now be included and evaluated in the choice for location, cultivation and vinification techniques for South Tyrolean Pinot Blanc. The findings on the effects of higher altitudes on this variety can now show the risks, but most importantly the opportunities that the Alps might offer to our viticulture.

Project duration:

18.11.2016 – 17.11.2019

Partnership:

The current EFRE - FESR project PinotBlanc was developed in collaboration with the South Tyrolean Wine Consortium. The South Tyrolean wine industry has shown great interest in the project, which is highlighted by the direct involvement of the winery cooperatives of Tramin, Eppan, Terlan, Nals-Margreid and the winery Gummererhof.

>>> Video of the Pinot Blanc final event <<<

Downloads:

• Poster: Study of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of South Tyrolean Pinot blanc musts and wines using solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography time of flight-mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-TOF-MS).
• Poster: IMPACT OF AGRONOMIC AND CLIMATIC FACTORS ON THE FREE AMINO ACIDS CONTENT OF GRAPEVINE NEUTRAL VARIETIES: A CASE STUDY ON PINOT BLANC.
• Poster: APPLICATION OF A FLUORESCENCE BASED METHOD TO EVALUATE THE RIPENING PROCESS AND QUALITY OF PINOT BLANC GRAPE.
• Poster: EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE AROMATIC PROFILE OF PINOT BLANC: A CASE STUDY OF SOUTH TYROL.
• Publication: Characterization of phenolic profile in dried grape skin of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot Blanc with UHPLC-MS/MS and its development during ripening.
• Publication: Non-destructive fluorescence sensing for assessing microclimate, site and defoliation effects on flavonol dynamics and sugar prediction in Pinot blanc grapes.
• Publication: Modeling malic acid dynamics to ensure quality, aroma and freshness of Pinot blanc wines in South Tyrol (Italy).