Valorization of Drama wine identity through a holistic characterization of the
natural and microbial environment
Aim of the project
The aim of the proposed project is to fully characterize the role of the abiotic and microbial terroir of the Drama wine-growing zone for the main wine grape varieties cultivated in the region with the aim of producing high quality and value-added wines.
The viticultural factors that determine the characteristics of the grapes are the environmental factors (soil, climate), the variety of the vine (in combination with the clone used) and finally, the viticultural practices. All the above factors are described by the French term "terroir" which is widely used to describe the specificity of the wine products of a region. The importance of the natural environment in the specific character of wines led early on (Bordeaux, 1855) to the definition of zones of geographical origin for wines. Recently, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), in the framework of the work of the Vine and Wine Commission, has developed a comprehensive methodology for soil and climate-based zoning (RESOLUTION OIV-VITI 423-2012).
Work packages
Creation of a geographical database
Assessment of the natural environment in Natural Terroir Units (NTUs)
Viticultural evaluation in NTUs
Chemical & organoleptic evaluation of wines from NTUs
Evaluation of the microbial environment in NTUs
Evaluation of oenological potential & extension of results
Institutions
Research organisations
Laboratory of Viticulture - Department of Agriculture - Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
The main activity of the Laboratory of Viticulture of the Department of Agriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the study of the physiology, reproduction and cultivation techniques of grapevines. In the context of its research activities, the Laboratory of Viticulture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has studied in particular the ecophysiology of the vine and the influence of the factors of the biotic and abiotic environment on the metabolic processes and the quality of its products (grapes, wine).
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology - University of Thessaly
The following laboratories will participate in the proposed project from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of the University of Thessaly - Laboratory of Plant and Environmental Biotechnology - Laboratory of Physiology of Animal Organisms. The Laboratory of Plant and Environmental Biotechnology deals with the study of the function and diversity of microorganisms in the environment with emphasis on their interactions with the plant and abiotic stress factors such as organic pollutants.
Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace
The Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics of the Democritus University of Thrace has been operating since 2000 and is the only Department in Greece that provides studies in Molecular Biology & Genetics that are at the heart of innovation in the fields of Food, Environment & Health.
International University of Greece - Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Oenology (Drama) - Laboratory of Marketing Research and Development of New Food and Beverage Products
The International Hellenic University (IHU), based in Thessaloniki, was organized and operates as an AEI, consisting of the synergies of the International Hellenic University with the former Alexandrio Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, the former Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia and the former Technological Educational Institute of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Laboratory of Remote Sensing, Spectroscopy and Geographic Information Systems and Laboratory of Mechanical Engineering - Department of Agriculture - Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
The AUTH-GIS team is supported by two collaborating Laboratories of the Department of Agriculture. The Laboratory of TELEPHYSICS, Spectroscopy and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has as its main objective the observation of the Earth and the spatial analysis of data, with the scope of the agricultural and adjacent natural environment.
