Changing
climate conditions raise questions about the evolution of perennial
grapevine varieties, which are grown in various places around the world,
where complex interplay between environmental factors, genetics and
viticultural practices can contribute to unexpected adaptability. Based
on experimental measurements of water status (δ13C) and
untargeted metabolomics of up to 256 grape juices from 13 wine regions
in Europe and Argentina, over 3 successive vintages, we assessed the
adaptability to climate change of ‘Pinot noir’ and ‘Chardonnay’
grapevines. Both varieties appeared to be able to withstand a wide range
of water deficits, some of which may be associated with climatic
conditions similar to a + 2 °C warming scenario in Burgundy.
Multivariate models revealed hundreds of water-status-related mesocarp
metabolites, with ‘Chardonnay’ showing a consistent dynamic response
across the water status range, whereas many ‘Pinot noir’ markers faded
under severe water deficit, suggesting this grape variety is less
resilient to changing climatic conditions.
GrantsConseil Regional de Bourgogne-Franche-Comte and the European Union through the PO FEDER-FSE Bourgogne 2014/2020 (METABOLOM) Catena Institute (CLIMCHANGE project) Comite Champagne (CLIMCHANGE project) Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB, CLIMCHANGE project)