Xuefei Wang,* Zhumei Xi, and Zhaoxiang Wang
*Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Rd., Yangling, 712100, China (Wang.xuefei0805@gmail.com)

Different vineyard row orientations and altitudes have been adopted to maximize terroir potential. However, little is known about the impact of climatic determinates on physicochemical and aroma attributes of grapes and wines. Effects of the climate profiles associated with two row orientations on berry ripening, anthocyanins, and volatile compounds of Cabernet Sauvignon planted at two altitudes were investigated. The row orientation mainly changed the canopy climate: soil temperature, canopy temperature, and photosynthetically active radiation. The individual anthocyanins and volatile compounds in grapes were mainly determined by the vineyard locations. Microclimatically, north-south (NS) orientations promoted balanced photosynthetic performance and temperature between the two sides. Grapes from NS row orientation produced more reducing sugar and had lower titratable acidity during berry ripening. Differences in row orientation and associated microclimate manipulated the total flavonoids, individual anthocyanins, and volatile compounds in the grapes. Grapes from east-west oriented rows were more closely associated with the sensory attributes. Results obtained in this study provide new insights into the impact of row orientation in the arid Shangri-La valley and can be applicable to similar terroirs to unlock vineyard potential.

Funding Support: National Key Research and Development Program of China (2019YFD1000102-11), China Agriculture Research System for Grape (CARS-29-zp-6) and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Z1090219009)