Content
The concept of terroir can be described as the interplay of geogenic and anthropogenic factors that influence the typicity and quality of a wine from a particular geographical area. The scientific approach to terroir and the origin of wine is complex, as many variables can be linked in different ways. This requires the collaboration of several research groups with different but complementary skills.
The main objective of the project is to identify and understand the key factors that contribute to the differentiation of wines from different regions depending on geoclimatic, microbiological and human variables, using the Slovene blaufrankich wines as an example.
The detailed objectives of the project are:
- identify the key compounds and sensory descriptors responsible for differences between wines at sub-regional and regional levels through sensory and chemical analyses,
- understand the vine response to environmental signals leading to changes in grape composition, resulting in altered chemical and sensory composition of the wine and influencing the expression of the wine’s origin,
- identify regional differences between microbial populations on grapes to determine whether there are specific microbial communities associated with vineyards in different regions and to assess whether there is a measurable (chemical and sensory) influence of the local microflora on the terroir of the wine.
In addition to the Geological Survey, the project also involves the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia as the lead partner and the University of Nova Gorica.
Project phases:
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DS1 – Defining the diversity of Slovenian blaufrankich wines from different wine-growing areas
Objective: In DS1, we will define the chemical and sensorial properties of blaufrankich wines and identify markers characteristic of four wine-growing areas (v. o.) for blaufrankich wines.
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DS2 – Understanding geo-climatic influences on the geographical origin of wine (terroir)
Objective: To understand the response of the grapevine to environmental signals, which are reflected in the changed composition of the grape, which consequently affects the expression of terroir in wines.
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DS3 – Identification and role of microbial biodiversity in the geographical origin of wine (terroir)
Objective: The purpose of DS3 is to determine the microbial population of blaufrankich wines and, by conducting empirical tests, to assess whether the identified yeasts contribute to the expression of terroir in wines.
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DS4 – Dissemination of results
Selected bibliography
BRAJKOVIČ, Rok, ANTALICK, Guillaume, GABERŠEK, Martin, JAMŠEK RUPNIK, Petra, MENCIN GALE, Eva, TERAN, Klemen, BARTOL, Miloš, ZAJC, Marjana, TRENCHOVSKA, Aleksandra, RUPAR, Lovro, JEŽ KREBELJ, Anastazija, ŠKRAP, Petra, BAVEC, Miloš, ŠUKLJE, Katja. Understanding Slovenian Blaufrankisch terroirs from a geogenic approach. V: ROŽIČ, Boštjan (ur.). Razprave, poročila = Treatises, reports: 27. posvetovanje slovenskih geologov = 27th Meeting of Slovenian Geologists. Ljubljana: Univerza v Ljubljani, Naravoslovnotehniška fakulteta, Oddelek za geologijo, 2025. 27, str. 11-14. Geološki zbornik, 27. ISSN 0352-3802. [COBISS.SI-ID 234037763