A new integrated methodology for characterizing and assessing suitable areas for viticulture: A case study in Northwest Spain

In 2018, Spain was the third largest producer and leading exporter of wine in world. Viticulture is an important economic activity Castilla y León region, element capable halting flight from countryside favouring demographic settlement rural areas. A new integrated methodology for characterizing delimitating areas suitable vineyard cultivation proposed here. The approach combines traditional climate indices with others used bioclimatology soil variables, applies various statistical analyses to select predictors that best characterize vineyards. These are then species distribution models a geographic information system. tested Denomination Origin (hereafter DO León) northwest Spain. Ten single using maximum entropy modelling algorithm were run each six wine-grape varieties. Single-model projections built as consensus ten into ensemble-forecasting later generate maps variety. results confirm delimitation Origin. bioclimatic variables Compensated Thermicity Index Continentality pH, Clay Content, Soil Retention Capacity Saturation Humidity defining all varieties studied. Garnacha Mencía most different relation their requirements. Suitability revealed could be extended neighbouring up 30 km around it. useful tool agronomic oenological management; it allows more effective selection sites vineyards, improves management, can even protect territories historical cultural heritage grape cultivation, thus avoiding depopulation.