Effect of moderate irrigation on grape composition during ripening

Abstract

The effect of moderate irrigation on berry composition during the ripening of Monastrell grapes and the quality of wines produced from these grapes in a very dry area of southeastern Spain have been studied. The results showed that irrigated grapes reached higher weights but this did not impair sugar accumulation. Titratable acidity and pH were only slightly affected by irrigation, titratable acidity was higher in only one year in the most irrigated grapes at the end of ripening, mainly due to a higher malic acid content. Anthocyanin content in must was slightly lower in irrigated grapes. The results of the sensory analysis of the wines showed that wines made from non irrigated grapes usually obtained the highest scores for quality and intensity of color and aroma although differences were small.