Role of terroir on vine and wine characteristics of Negroamaro variety in Apulia region (Southern Italy)

Negro amaro is an autoctonous wine grape variety grown mainly in Salento (Apulia region, southern ItalY). The complex interactions between the genotype and the environment contribute to different responses of vines. In this research the physiological responses, the vegetative and reporductive behavior of Negro amaro grapevines cultivated in two different sites of Salento were evaluated. Research was conducted over three years (2011-2013) in two vineyards of negro Amaro VCR 10 grafted onto 1103 Paulsen rootstock and trained to vertical shoot positioned training system. Climatic data, vine canopy structure, microclimate, bud fruitfulness and nutritional status (SPAD index) were carried out during the growing seasons. Besides stem water potential, stomatal conductance and parameters of physiological leaf functioning were monitored. Grape chemical composition at harvest was also determined. Finally grapes were wine-processed and wines analyzed and evaluated with sensory analysis by a trained panel.