Beneficial effects of bunch-zone late defoliations and shoot positioning on berry composition and colour components of wines undergoing aging in an organically-managed and rainfed Sangiovese vineyard

In the context of climate change, where high temperatures are frequent in first phases ripening, protecting grapevine bunches from solar radiation is essential for preserving berry composition and wine colour. The effects bunch-zone late defoliations (DEFs) “semi-ballerina” shoot positioning (SB) on vine physiology grape quality organic cv. Sangiovese wines during storage were assessed two contrasting seasons (2013 2014). treatments altered neither (leaf photosynthetic activity stomatal conductance, stem water potential) nor phenology, yield, budburst fruitfulness. Defoliations imposed at post-veraison (DEF I) pre-harvest II), but not post-veraison, enhanced concentration skin flavonols harvest, compared to an untreated control. Late SB did change weight, anthocyanins, soluble solids, pH or titratable acidity harvest. severity Botrytis bunch rot was both seasons. 2013, it negligible regardless treatment. 2014 (characterised by higher rainfall lower average than 2013), I DEF especially I, a minor extent, limited rot. oenological benefits observed storage. These canopy management practices positively influenced components (polymeric pigments; namely short polymeric pigments) that might have marked effect final colour intensity, without altering basic chemical characteristics wine. When choosing timing carrying out defoliation order improve containment, meteorological conditions should be properly considered. Our results may contribute providing further recommendations growers who produce undergo aging.