THE DOCG “SAGRANTINO DI MONTEFALCO”, AN EXAMPLE OF MICRO-ZONING

The present paper aims to study the influence of weather conditions and soil characteristics on the productivity of vines at micro-scale level. The behaviour of the Sagrantino cultivar, the most important native cultivar from the Montefalco area, was analysed in different vineyards of the “Arnaldo Caprai” farm. Surveys were realised in six different areas selected to be representative of the variability of the estate during 2010 and 2011. The experimental plan was set giving special attention to the metereological monitoring and a weather station monitoring air temperature, global solar radiation, relative humidity and precipitation was installed in each vineyard. The monitoring has allowed to (accurately) detect variability among the different vineyard location. Soils analysis were provided by the “Arnaldo Caprai” farm and were also compared with the visual analysis carried out by the method “Visual soil assessment” proposed by FAO. Vigor Maps were also produced for all vines under study. Agronomic and analytical data were also collected for both the years of monitoring; with reference to the relevant polyphenolic content that characterize the Sagrantino cultivar, particular attention has been devoted to the study of these compound and to their relation with weather conditions. In addition to the analysis of extractable polyphenols and anthocyanins content in grapes at harvest, the polyphenolic ripening was monitored together with the technological maturation. In order to obtain a feedback on wine, specific micro vinifications were carried out on grapes harvested separately from each vineyard and the wines were subsequently judged by a tasting panel. The interaction among weather, soil characteristics and agronomic/analytical data will allow to define the differences among the different areas and to direct the farm technical choices.