Comparing Methods for the Analysis of δ13C in Falanghina Grape Must from Different Pedoclimatic Conditions

Agroforestry applications in viticulture are considered a promising strategy to improve vine water status by mitigating the threats of increasing drought due to climate change. The analysis of delta C-13 is often used in viticulture to understand vine water use. In this study, the analysis of delta C-13 was performed on the must of Falanghina grapevines growing in different pedoclimatic conditions. The aim was to compare the results obtained by the application of two different methodologies, using the whole must or extracted sugars as the matrix. The results showed that the delta C-13 values obtained by applying the two methodologies were comparable in all analyzed vineyards independently from the pedoclimatic conditions. Indeed, the proposed method of extraction of the delta C-13 on the must as a whole can be both cost- and time-saving for the analysis. This is valuable, considering that the delta C-13 of must is becoming more and more used as indicator of vines' water use. Therefore, the possibility to utilize a simplified method of extraction would enhance the application of the delta C-13 at a larger scale to evaluate vine adaptation in the context of climate-change-driven increases in drought.