Analysis of viticultural potential and delineation of homogeneous viticultural zones in a temperate climate region of Romania

Abstract

Aims : To characterize the viticultural potential and delineate homogeneous viticultural zones in the Huşi wine growing region (Romania) in order to provide necessary information for viticultural zoning. Methods and results : The methodology is based on a Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis of 15 ecological parameters, representative of the topography, climate and soils in temperate continental climate vineyards. Three homogeneous viticultural zones were identified : one suitable for quality white wines and red table wines ; one suitable for quality white wines ; and one suitable for white table wines, sparkling wines and wines for distillates. Conclusion : In order to characterize the viticultural potential, it is necessary to assess the suitability of all ecological factors that influence the quality of the grapes. Omitting one ecological factor may lead to erroneous results in suitability assessment. Climate suitability determines altitudinal differentiation of the viticultural potential, while topographical and pedological suitability determines a horizontal differentiation.