Influence of different locations on grape and wine quality with the grapevine variety 'Pinot blanc'

Within the framework of a project investigating interdependencies between the grapevine variety 'Pinot blanc' and the location of vineyards in the wine growing region Uberetsch (South Tyrol, Italy) site differences were examined, commonalities of different locations determined and interrelations between site conditions and the analytical and sensory properties of the 'Pinot blanc' wines investigated. Statistically reliable differences between vineyard sites were found. The search for interdependencies between soil, viticultural, enological and organoleptic properties showed, that the sea level, several temperature indices and, to a limited extent, the grain size distribution of the soil were crucial factors influencing the characteristics of the wines. The wines of some vineyard sites showed large vintage variations in their composition and their sensory properties, while others displayed a constant behavior. After consideration of all results it can be summarized that in the area investigated, the locations between 400 and 500 m above sea level on easily warmed, fertile, loamy, slightly alkaline soils represent favorable conditions for the cultivation of this variety.