Is phenological behavior of Tannat (Vitis vinifera L.) affected by temperature variability in the coastal wine region of southern Uruguay?
Résumé
In order to understand and enhance grapevine adaptability to climate change, the knowledge of local climatic factors impact on vine behaviour is essential. The aim of this work is to assess the spatial and temporal variability of temperature at meso-scale and its relation with Tannat phenology. Ten temperature sensors were installed in Tannat commercial vineyards in the southern Uruguay wine region. Phenological monitoring was done in 100 bunches per plot across four phenological stages: flowering (FL), fruit set (FS), bunch closure (BC) and veraison (VE). Temperature database of three growing seasons (2011-2012, 2012-2013 and 2013-2014) was analysed through bioclimatic indices adapted to viticulture. The region showed a high spatial variability of temperature explained by the distance to the La Plata River, as well as its topography. The plots with the highest temperatures had no impact on the precocity of the different phenological stages.