Spatial climate variability and viticulture in the Miño River Valley of Spain

Abstract

Understanding spatial variations in climates that are crucial for crop suitability form the basis of zonation studies in viticulture. This research applies principal components analysis and cluster analysis to 39 climate stations in the Galician region of northwest Spain to examine the applicability for zonation in the region and produce a better understanding of the spatial climate structure in Galicia. Roughly 90 % of the spatial variation in climate types is explained by three main components, which are defined by precipitation, temperature, and frost risk variations across the region. The climate variables or indices most important for the Galician region include the three main indices (Huglin index, Dryness index, and Cool night index) used within the Multicriteria Climatic Classification System (Geoviticulture MCC System). The results provide evidence that the Geoviticulture MCC System, which was developed at the global scale, has tremendous applicability at the mesoscale. The identification of six climate types of the Geoviticulture MCC System, which are used quite extensively for wine growing in the region, depicts the great spatial diversity of viticultural potential found within the relatively small area of Galicia.