Variability in grape composition and phenology of 'Tempranillo' in zones located at different elevations and with differences in the climatic conditions

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyse the variability on phenology and berry composition of 'Tempranillo' among different elevations and different climatic conditions. The study was conducted on 'Tempranillo' vineyards located in Rioja DOCa at elevations between 367 and 650 m a.s.l. Phenology and the evolution of berry composition during ripening, related to pH, total acidity, malic acid, total anthocyanins, total polyphenols index, colour intensity and sugar content were analysed for the period 2008-2018 at each elevation. The weather conditions recorded during the period of study were evaluated.
The results indicate that, on average, differences between the analysed elevations of up to 21 days existed in the dates in which the maturity was reached, being the differences higher in the years with extreme conditions (very wet or dry and very hot or cool). The comparative analysis among elevations and in years with differences in temperature and in precipitation allowed knowing the differences in the vine response under different climatic conditions. From this analysis some conclusions may be extracted that may be useful for police makers to define new planting areas in which less imbalanced situations may occur under warm conditions.