Terroir influence on viticultural and oenological characteristics of Vitis vinifera cv. Negro Amaro.

Negro Amaro is a red wine grape variety grown mainly in Salento (Apulia region, Southern Italy) in Lecce and Brindisi provinces. This variety is used for high quality wines produced in renowned DOC. The complex interactions between the genotype (variety, clone and rootstock) and the environment (mesoclimate and canopy microclimate, soil conditions, vineyard management and winemaking technologies) contribute to obtain different responses of the grapevines. In this research the physiological responses, the vegetative and the productive behavior of Negro Amaro vines cultivated in two different Salento’s area were evaluated. The study was conducted over two years (2011-2012) in two commercial vineyards with the same clone, rootstock, age and canopy management system. Measurement of vine canopy structure and microclimate, and assessment of bud fertility and nutritional status (SPAD index) were carried out during the growing seasons. Plant water status was monitored measuring both stem water potential and stomatal conductance. At harvest the components of yield (yield per vine, cluster and berry weight) and quality parameters of the must were determined. The wines obtained were analyzed and sensory analysis was conducted by a trained panel. A clear effect of the soil, canopy characteristics and the microclimate components of the “terroir” were detected in relation to yield, berry quality and wines produced.