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The Vitis IMIDRA collection contains 3699 entries, representing a significant percentage of the variation in traditional and commercial Vitis cultivars used in Spain. The classification and identification of new entries are currently conducted based on ampelography and molecular methods. Here, we propose a new method of classification of the cultivars based on seed morphology and its application to a total of 224 varieties from the collection. Based on seed shape, fourteen groups have been defined according to the similarity of the seeds, with geometric figures used as models. The new models are Cariñena Blanca, Chardonnay, Parraleta, and Parduca, defining new groups to be added to the ten groups previously described. The study results in 14 groups comprising the Spanish cultivar’s seed shape and morphological variation. Seed morphology can help to identify varieties cultivated in the past through archaeological finds.

Despite the large number of existing varieties of Vitis vinifera L., only few occupy a large niche in today’s highly globalized wine market. The increasing consumer demand for diversified products, as well as the changing climatic conditions, make establishing a process of varietal diversification essential to achieve both challenges. It is for this reason that the study of minority varieties, which have a higher level of adaptation to each area of origin, is of particular interest. With the main objective of achieving an in-depth knowledge of minority varieties in Spain, the national research project ‘Valorization of Minority Grapevine Varieties for their Potential for Wine Diversification and Resilience to Climate Change’ (MINORVIN), has been proposed. Within this extensive project, the present study describes the aroma profiles of 60 single-variety wines, corresponding with 44 different varieties, with 12 of these varieties being studied at the same time in several Spanish regions. Volatile compounds were determined through three consecutive vintages using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Compounds were grouped into major compounds, including alcohols, C6 compounds, esters, acetates, acids, carbonyl compounds, and other type of compounds, and minor compounds, including lactones, terpenes, and C13-norisoprenoids, according to their concentration in the wines being analyzed. Among this last group of compounds, lactones were quantitatively the most abundant, followed by terpenes. This study reflects that minority variety wines show distinctive aromatic profiles, supporting the importance of valuing and promoting the autochthonous minority grapevine varieties for the Spanish winemaking industry.

In this study, a total of 34 Spanish minority varieties were studied during four seasons from 2020 to 2023, and their behavior was characterized according to their main phenological stages (bud break, bloom, veraison, and maturity) and complete cycle. We focused on the varieties prospected in the central Spanish plateau and conserved in the “El Encín” grapevine collection, aiming to identify the potential for adaptation of these varieties and for them to be considered by winegrowers as an alternative to current climate change conditions. The growing degree days required for the expression of the phenological stage, and the duration of each stage, were compiled. Characteristics of oenological interest were also monitored, such as °Brix, pH, and titratable acidity in must at the time of harvest. This study was carried out in years with atypical snowfall and cold spells (winter 2021), as well as with heat waves (summer 2022), with average temperatures 3–5 °C higher than normal and absolute maximum temperatures over 40 °C. Both cases also exceeded records of historical series (1957–2019). Veraison has been identified as the stage most susceptible to damage from high temperatures, in addition to the maturation and duration of the complete cycle. The varieties were classified into five groups according to the duration of each phenological stage (very early, early, medium, late, and very late). Some varieties with late or very late maturation and with must characteristics of 20–23 °Brix, 3–5 g/L of titratable acidity, and pH 3.5–4.5, as well as others, retained stability in their phenological periodicity and must quality. The results suggest that special attention should be given to thoroughly evaluating these varieties, and that the strategies contemplated should be considered as a feasible cultivation alternative in viticulture to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Seed shape descriptions of species of Vitis have traditionally been based on adjectives comparing overall shape with geometric figures, such as oval, elongated oval, and pear-shaped, corresponding to higher values of the Stummer index (lower aspect ratio) for oval, and lower values of the Stummer index for pear shape (or elongated seeds, with a higher aspect ratio). Analytical, quantitative descriptions of shape have recently been applied to diverse genera of Vitaceae and cultivated varieties of Vitis. Here, we present the application of three quantitative methods to the seed shape description of ten species of the genus Vitis and three species of related genera (Ampelopsis, Cissus and Parthenocissus). First, general seed shape was described through comparisons using geometric models. For this, the average silhouettes of representative seed populations were used as models for shape quantification. Two additional quantitative methods were based on the measurement of bilateral symmetry and curvature analysis in the apex. Quantitative methods for shape description based on similarity with the models give an accurate account of the relationships between Vitis species. The resulting dendrogram is like the dendrogram obtained from a combined analysis using the data from general measurements and curvature and symmetry analyses. The original methods presented here for seed morphology are useful for analyzing the phylogenetic relationships between species of Vitis.

Soil organic matter depletion is a significant concern in agricultural soils, impacting crucial aspects of ecosystem health, especially soil properties such as fertility and soil moisture retention. Adopting sustainable soil management practices, such as cover crops, can mitigate this issue. In this study, we analyzed the soil organic carbon (SOC) content and quality in vineyards using two distinct management methods: permanent spontaneous cover crops and conventional tillage. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was quantified and chemically characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy. Our results showed an increase of 4.7 Mg C/ha in the carbon stock (50 cm depth) after 10 years of implementing vegetation covers compared with tilled soil. Additionally, cover crop management increased less humified soluble carbon in surface soil layers, while tillage transformed the solubilized carbon. This finding is important because tilled soil becomes more accessible to microbial degradation and leaching, which, in the long term, leads to a SOM content decrease. In conclusion, an increase in carbon stock was observed when using cover crops due to the incorporation of fresh organic matter, whereas tilled soils showed a depletion of carbon stock, including the mobilization of more stable carbon.

Downy mildew is one of the most destructive diseases affecting grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.). Caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola (Berk. and Curt.) Berl. and de Toni, it can appear anywhere where vines are cultivated. It is habitually controlled by the application of phytosanitary agents (copper-based or systemic) at different stages of the vine growth cycle. This, however, is costly, can lead to reduced yields, has a considerable environmental impact, and its overuse close to harvest can cause fermentation problems. All grapevines are susceptible to this disease, although the degree of susceptibility differs between varieties. Market demands and European legislation on viticulture and the use of phytosanitary agents (art. 14 of Directive 128/2009/EC) now make it important to know the sensitivity of all available varieties, including minority varieties. Such knowledge allows for a more appropriate use of phytosanitary agents, fosters the commercial use of these varieties and thus increases the offer of wines associated with different terroirs, and helps identify material for use in crop improvement programmes via crossing or genetic transformation, etc. Over 2020–2021, the susceptibility to P. viticola of 63 minority vine varieties from different regions of Spain was examined in the laboratory using the leaf disc technique. Some 87% of these varieties were highly susceptible and 11% moderately susceptible; just 2% showed low susceptibility. The least susceptible of all was the variety Morate (Madrid, IMIDRA). Those showing intermediate susceptibility included the varieties Sanguina (Castilla la Mancha, IVICAM), Planta Mula (Comunidad Valenciana, ITVE), Rayada Melonera (Madrid, IMIDRA), Zamarrica (Galicia, EVEGA), Cariñena Roja (Cataluña, INCAVI), Mandrègue (Aragón, DGA) and Bastardo Blanco (Extremadura, CICYTEX). The highly susceptible varieties could be differentiated into three subgroups depending on sporulation severity and density.

The main phenological stages (budburst, flowering, veraison, and ripeness) of 53 Spanish minority varieties were studied to determine their potential to help winegrowers adapt to climate change conditions. In total, 43 varieties were studied in the same location in Spain (Alcalá de Henares, in the Madrid region) and 10 varieties in 5 other regions (Galicia, Navarre, Catalonia, Extremadura, and Andalusia). Other traits of agronomic and oenological interest, such as yield and acidity, were also monitored. The results allow for the grouping of the varieties into several clusters according to the time of ripeness (very early—only for red varieties—and early, intermediate, and late, for both red and white varieties) and yield (high, medium, and low). The total acidity in the grape juice ranged from 3 to 11 g of tartaric acid/L. The average temperatures were higher (up to 3–4 °C during summer) compared to historical averages during the 1957–2021 time period. Advanced phenology phases and reduced acidity are regarded as negative effects of climate change for winegrowing practices. Since some minority varieties showed late or intermediate ripening, high acidity, and high (1 Kg/shoot) or medium (0.5 Kg/shoot) yield, our findings suggest that they may be cultivated in the coming years by winegrowers as an approach to mitigate climate change effects.

Ampelography, the botanical discipline dedicated to the identification and classification of grapevine cultivars, was grounded on the description of morphological characters and more recently is based on the application of DNA polymorphisms. New methods of image analysis may help to optimize morphological approaches in ampelography. The objective of this study was the classification of representative cultivars of Vitis vinifera conserved in the Spanish collection of IMIDRA according to seed shape. Thirty eight cultivars representing the diversity of this collection were analyzed. A consensus seed silhouette was defined for each cultivar representing the geometric figure that better adjusted to their seed shape. All the cultivars tested were classified in ten morphological groups, each corresponding to a new model. The models are geometric figures defined by equations and similarity to each model is evaluated by quantification of percent of the area shared by the two figures, the seed and the model (J index). The comparison of seed images with geometric models is a rapid and convenient method to classify cultivars. A large proportion of the collection may be classified according to the new models described and the method permits to find new models according to seed shape in other cultivars.

Aims: We report the genetic, phenological, agronomic and ampelographic characterization of 27 minor grapevine accessions (Vitis vinifera L.) from the Balearic Islands (Spain). The influence of occasional climatic phenomena (hailstorm) and the ampelographer’s experience on these characteristics was studied. Methods and results: In 2006 and 2007, grapevine accessions were analyzed using 57 OIV (Office International de la Vigne et du Vin) qualitative and quantitative descriptors and six microsatellite loci (SSR). Ampelography is a good preliminary technique for the identification of plant material, since the ampelographic description carried out showed a high degree of similarity between the repetitions of one single accession (higher than 90%), confirming the microsatellite results. The colour of the young leaf’s upper side (OIV-051), the juiciness of the flesh (OIV-232) and the firmness of berry flesh (OIV-235) were the most difficult characters to distinguish by ampelographers. In spite of the greater similarity found among the varieties studied, there were a few strong discriminant characters (OIV-225, OIV-084, OIV-053, and OIV-004). In addition, the ampelographic descriptions, agronomic parameters and phenology were influenced by hailstorm. Conclusions: The combination of morphological and molecular characterizations of 27 accessions collected in the Balearic Islands (Spain) allowed their classification into 17 different vine varieties. The genetic analysis identified Beba blanca as a possible somatic mutant derived from Beba roja. The hailstorm increased the vegetative period and mostly affected mature leaves, bunches, agronomic characteristics and must composition. Significance and impact of the study: The present work characterizes, for the first time, the ampelographic and molecular profiles of these minor varieties. It is provide agronomic information about old cultivars never published before which could be interesting for the grape growers.

Aims: The aim of this paper was to locate and describe the wild grapevine as a phytogenetic resource in Western Pyrenees, including Navarre, Aragon (Spain) and the department of Pyrénées atlantiques (France). Methods and results: An ampelographic description of wild grapevine populations was made as well as a study of their oenological potential and an evaluation of their sanitary condition. The ampelographic results confirmed the dioecious nature of all the specimens. The microvinification results of two wine samples showed low alcohol content, high acidity (low pH) and high intensity of colour. The sanitary study revealed that the main parasites of the vines were eriophyids (mites), powdery and downy mildews (fungus), with aerial organs being most susceptible (leaves, bunches). No symptoms of phylloxera, nematodes or root destroying fungi were detected. The paper is complemented by a list of the main accompanying botanical species. Conclusion: This phytogenetic resource is well represented in the area of study, exhibiting a good sanitary status. Significance and impact of the study: This paper could provide the basis for future genetic studies addressing the possible links between the wild grapevines and the cultivated varieties of the region. Wild grapevines could also be used in future breeding programs.

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify synonyms among grape cultivars growing in two distant regions, Spain and Italy, based on comparative analysis of genetic markers. The identification of synonyms and genetically-related cultivars should contribute to our understanding of their history and the preservation of biodiversity. Methods and results: Using a set of 9 nuclear simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers, we compared the genetic profiles of major and currently neglected grape cultivars from two laboratories in Spain and Italy. A set of approximately 700 genotypes were analyzed and several putative synonyms were discovered. Among these, a clear synonymy was identified (confirmed by ampelographic observations) between two minor varieties: the Spanish Legiruela and the Italian Prié blanc, known in the past as Agostenga. Using an additional set of 25 nuclear SSR loci, two white cultivars, Albillo Real (or Albillo de Madrid) and Luglienga bianca, from Spain and Italy, respectively, showed a genetic relationship with Prié blanc/Legiruela. To further characterize this parent/progeny kinship, chloroplast SSR analyses were performed. Several hypotheses on the origin and movements of these traditional ancient grapes are discussed. Conclusion: The Italian Prié blanc and the Spanish Legiruela cultivars correspond to a unique genotype. The occurrence in Spain under the name of Legiruela, a cultivar long-recognized in Italie, and the presence in both countries of very old grape varieties genetically related to this genotype, indicate that Prié blanc/Legiruela has moved from its original to actual growing area several centuries ago. Significance and impact of the study: By identifying synonyms, accurately establishing the « true to type » of traditional grapes (used for commercial trade or maintained in collections), and studying their genetic relationships, the present work affects marketing and commercial exploitations related to grape cultivars. It also contributes to the knowledge of cultivar history and movements in ancient times.