Evaluation of the Effect of Water Stress on Clonal Variations of Cv. Monastrell (Vitis vinifera L.) in South-Eastern Spain: Physiology, Nutrition, Yield, Berry, and Wine-Quality Responses

The present study aims to analyze the physiological and agronomical response drought among seven local traditional field-grown Monastrell clones (4, 94, 188, 360, 276, 372, 373) over four seasons (2018–2021) under optimum irrigation conditions (control) water stress (stress). We have focussed on measuring interclonal variability in plant relations leaf gas exchange, vegetative growth, mineral nutrition, yield, use efficiency (WUE), grape wine quality. A classification of different according drought-tolerance degree agronomical/oenological performance was established. revealed that (a) most drought-tolerant clone (i.e., 4) neither productive (8600 kg ha−1), efficient terms (average 25 m−3), nor one presented a better quality; (b) 94) (11,566 ha−1, average 30 m−3) also clone, but it provided worst berry qualities with lowest aromatic/nutraceutical potential, is not recommended for premium red production; (c) Conversely, 360 highest quality, at expense greatly reduced vigor yield (4000 ha−1) lower WUEyield 10 m−3); (d) Low-vigor 372 276 were sensitive put more conservation mechanisms into play, i.e., tighter control vine transpiratory surface, soil deficit high vapor pressure (VPD). In addition, these reached balance between tolerance, (WUEyield), because they moderate yields (7400–7700 17–19 m−3 applied water), an enhanced quality greater oenological, nutraceutical, aromatic potential; (e) High-vigor 188 displayed several tolerance (tighter stomatal use), maintained higher (10,500 very (29 (similarly or 372), improved oenological/aromatic can be application low volume (DI) strategies semi-arid conditions.