Influence of climatic conditions on the phenolic composition of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Graciano.

The influence of different climatic conditions on the phenolic composition of grape skins and seeds of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Graciano - an autochthonous cultivar from Rioja and Navarra regions (Spain) - was evaluated during ripening in a separate way. Graciano grapes from two different vineyards with different climatic conditions and from two different vintages (2008 and 2009) were analysed. Clear differences between phenolic maturity pattern of grape skins and seeds were observed. In this context, it may be important to evaluate the phenolic maturity of seeds and skins in a separate way in order to decide the optimal harvest time. It was also noticeable that the effect of vintage (mainly due to changes in climatic conditions) may affect the changes in the phenolic composition of both grape skins and seeds. Although in a lesser extent, the effect of the vineyard was also observable, and it was especially relevant in vintages with irregular climatic conditions such as 2008 vintage. In a second strand, results obtained from the phenolic composition of grape seeds and skins at harvest, oenological parameters at harvest and climate conditions during vegetative stage were evaluated and relationships among the aforementioned variables were revealed.