Mapping viticultural potential in temperate climate areas. Case study: Bucium vineyard (Romania)

Abstract

The paper presents the spatial distribution of ecological suitability for grape growing in Bucium vineyard (Romania), viticultural area with ecological characteristics representative for northern vineyards. The study is based on a complex methodology implying use of remote sensing, Geographical Information Systhems (GIS), climatic data, topographic and pedologic maps. Research reveal the low ecological potential of Bucium area, specialized, traditionally, in white table wines, sparkling wines and white quality wines. Data analysis shows that 30% of Bucium vineyard (281 ha of 928 ha) is inappropriate, in terms of climatic suitability, for vinifera varieties culture; 34% of the area (316 ha) has limited ecological potential, enough to produce white table wines and sparkling wines; 36% of the area (331 ha) is suitable for quality white wines. In the vineyard area was not registered suitable conditions for quality red wines production. Huglin’s heliothermal index values shows that the vineyard has climatic characteristics that allow culture of wine varieties with early and medium ripening. In terms of ecological suitability, it appears that the most favorable conditions offer Cetăţuia wine land, the eastern slope of the Doi Peri hill, eastern slope of Vişani hill, south-western slope of Bucium hill and southern slope of Pietrăria wine land.