NEW VINIFERA CREATIONS FOR RED WINES IN THE

RESTRICTIVE CONDITIONS OF CULTURE IN THE NORTH-

EASTERN AREA OF ROMANIA

V.V. Cotea(1), Liliana Rotaru(1), Cintia Colibaba(1), M. Mustea(1),

Ancua Vasile(2), C. Zamfir(1)
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi
Allee M. Sadoveanu no.3, Iasi-700490, ROMANIA
vcotea@univagro-iasi.ro
tel. +40-232-407519
(2)
Station of Wine and Viticultural Research and Development Iai

ABSTRACT
The North-East of Romania is characterized by restrictive climatic conditions (cold winters
and very dry summers), therefore the cultivation of red grape varieties for wine is less
favorable. The number of days with bioactive period allows only the culture of grape varieties
with a medium vegetation period, where the real insolation period is between 1450 - 1550
hours, whereas the values of the viticultural bioclimatic index (Constantinescu index) and the
index of oenoclimatic aptitude (Teodorescu index) accentuates the limited possibilities of
grape varieties for red wine cultivation.
Even so, according to studies made within the ampelographic collection of the Horticulture
Faculty in Iasi, a series of new grape varieties was created in research units: Negru aromat,
Codan, Balada and Arcas, together with the control grape variety Feteasca neagra have a
favourable status in the north-east area of Romania.

La zone viticole de NE de la Roumanie est caractris par les conditions co climatique

restrictive pour la culture des cpages pour vins rouges. Le numro de jours avec priode
bioactive permet seulement la culture des cpages avec priode moyenne de vgtation,
l'insolation rale a des valeurs entre 1450-1550 heures, mais les valeurs de l'indice
bioclimatique viticole (l'indice Constantinescu) et celui de l'aptitude oenoclimatique (l'indice
Teodorescu) mettent en vidence les possibilits limites pour la culture des cpages de vigne
pour les vins rouges.
Nanmoins, les tudes effectus dans le cadre de la collection amplographique de la
Facult de Horticulture Iasi met en vidence une nouveau srie des crations nouveaux de
vigne roumaines dans les units de recherche qui sont intresss de leur extension en culture
dans l'areal viticole plus froid du zone viticole de NE de la Roumanie. A ct du cpage
tmoin, Feteasca Neagra, connu dans cette zone on remarque les cpages: Negru Aromat,
Codan, Balada, Arcas.

INTRODUCTION

Through its actions, except the normal limits and according to vines climate, the climatic
risk causes violent destruction, causing in the end partial or total biological capacity loss.
Usually, the climatic risk should follow the risk limit for vine. A viticultural ecosystem is like
a functional block, created and controlled by man in order to obtain high quality production,
in proficient economical and social conditions. The vine ecosystem is influenced directly by
the global climate changes. For a long-lasting viticultural practice, the climatic shifts must be
tale into consideration, evaluation and monitorization, especially now, when we are
confronted by unknown climatic phenomena. The global climatic shifts modified the rain
frequency with effects in draught and desert areas expansion. Researchers say that it is
possible that due to rising temperatures, draught and air pollution, some diseases and pests
evolutions are being stimulated, with negative results for the vines ecosystem health (Cotea
Victoria et al., 1996).
The elements and climatic phenomena impose, in many situations, qualitative limits
regarding the wine and vine production. This is why, knowing the manifestation limits of the
climatic elements and phenomena in the north-eastern region of Romania and the agro-
biological and technological value of the grape sorts in a certain area is very important for
describing possibility conditions regarding significant oenological performances.
The present study aims to present the behavior of four new red grape varieties obtained in
Romania, in the restrictive eco-climatic conditions of Iasi vineyard.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Within the Iasi vineyard ecosystem, four new Romanian vine creations have been studied:
Codan (Bbeasc neagr x Feteasc neagr); Balada (Bbeasc neagr x Pinot noir);
Negru aromat (wild propagation of Cabernet Sauvignon variety) and Arca (Cabernet
Sauvignon x Bbeasc neagr). These varieties proved to be very adaptable in other
viticultural areas. They were presented in comparison with Feteasc neagr grape variety
(control sample), a red grape variety specific to Iasi vineyard.
This study was conducted in the ampelographic Collection of the Horticultural Faculty in
Iasi. The used grape-stock was Berlandieri x Riparia Selection Oppenheim 4, the planting was
done in 1995 at 2.2/1.2 m (3788 vines/ha). The vines were pruned in bilateral cordon, semi-
tall, with 2-3 buds.
During 2006-2008, observations and determinations concerning vegetation phenophases,
fertility and productivity, quantity and quality of grape production have been made.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Temperature represents the main climatic factor that influences physiological and
biochemical processes of vine, also being a limitative factor for its cultivation. Following air
temperature values analysis between 1956-2008 in Iai meteorological station, the average
annual temperature was 22.8 C. The highest average monthly temperature was in August
1992 (23.9 C). The lowest monthly thermo average from the above mentioned period
occurred in January 1963 and was -11,4 C. The presence of tropical air masses above
Romania made possible the appearance of the highest annual average temperatures in 1990
and 2000 (10.9 C). The lowest yearly average temperature occurred in 1956 (7.3 C), as an
effect of the polar origin air masses.
The average annual sunshine period between 1956-2008 was 2129,8 hours. The month with
the highest sunshine period was July (291.4 hours), and the month which registered the lowest
value was December (76.5 hours). Annual average amplitude of this climatic parameter is
214.9 hours.
Sunshine distribution is as follows throughout the year: 69.7 % (1483.3 hours) in the warm
semester (April-September), when vines request for light is high, but different according to
vegetation phenophases (higher when flowering and lower during harvest) and 30.3 % (645.9
hours) in the cold semester (October-March).
 Multiannual representation of suns glare distinguishes the maximum value registered in the
year 2000 (2390 hours) and the minimum value, registered in 1984 (1754.5 hours). In the
years when the sunshine period had high values, an anticyclone characteristic was
predominant, whilst in the less sunny years the cyclone-characteristic was frequent.
Following the analysis of the yearly average values of precipitations during 1956-2006, a
maximum value was observed in July (76.3 mm) and a minimum one in January February
(21.6 mm). The yearly average for rain was 515.2 mm.
The pluviometrical minimum is usually registered in February or October and is caused
during winter by the Siberian Anticyclone, which acts in Romania by means of the Voeikov
dorsal and in autumn by the Azoric anticyclone. The pluviometric maximum is registered in
June-July and it is caused by either the Atlantic cyclones rich in moisture or the Azoric
Anticyclone which extends towards the inland of our continent through a dorsal.
The semestrial repartition of atmospheric precipitations points out that in the warm semester
(April-September) the highest quantity of rain is recorded (70.5 % of the annual average), due
to intense cyclone activity. In the cold semester (October-March), the atmospheric
precipitation represent almost a third of the annual average (29.5 %), consequence of the high
pressure areas.
The distribution of atmospheric precipitation in multiannual profile reflects the existence of
some rainy or dry periods. The rich atmospheric precipitations occurring in certain periods are
due to the persistence of some low pressure baric formations, like the Mediterranean ones, the
influence of which is felt mostly in the second part of summer, in the beginning of autumn
and in winter. 1991 (825.1 mm) and 1998 (715.2 mm) were two of the most rainy years.
The dry periods are due to anticyclone zones like those of Azore Islands, which act mostly
in the summer by their flanks which they push over the Mediterranean Sea and Central
Europe. Retreat of the baric formations towards the North allows the incoming of tropical air
masses from Small Asia, air masses responsible for the installment of dry weather in
Romania. The most dry years were 1963 (389.8 mm), 1965 (349 mm), 1967 (355.2 mm),
1982 (361.1 mm), 1986 (313.7 mm), 1994 (393.4 mm), 2000 (361.9 mm), 2003 (377.4 mm).
The studied grape varieties and control variety - Feteasc neagr covered simultaneously
the vegetation phenophases: budding 18-19 April, flourishing 3-5 June, ripening 8-11 August,
full maturity - around 28 September (tab. 1). The percentage of fertile shoots is significant
(Balada, Negru aromat) and even more so (Codan, Arca) superior to the control variety
Feteasc neagr, which had inferior fertility indexes (tab. 2).
Table 1.
Vegetation phenophases for wine grape varieties in Iasi vineyard (2006-2008)
Grape Leaf
Grape variety Year Bud breaking Flourishing Ripening
maturation falling
2006 26 IV 8 VI 10 VIII 2X 26 X
Feteasc neagr 2007 13 IV 3 VI 1 VIII 15 IX 27 X
(control) 2008 15 IV 28 V 15 VIII 8X 25 X
Limits 13-26 IV 28 V-8 VI 1-15 VIII 15 IX-8 X 20-25 X
2006 26 IV 12 VI 10 VIII 2X 26 X
2007 15 IV 3 VI 3 VIII 15 IX 27 X
Balada
2008 17 IV 1 VI 15 VIII 8X 25 X
Limits 15-26 IV 1-12 VI 3-15 VIII 15 IX-8 X 20-25 X
2006 26 IV 12 VI 15 VIII 2X 26 X
2007 15 IV 3 VI 3 VIII 15 IX 27 X
Codan
2008 17 IV 1 VI 15 VIII 8X 25 X
Limits 15-26 IV 1-12 VI 3-15 VIII 15 IX-8 X 20-25 X
Arca 2006 26 IV 5 VI 5 VIII 2X 26 X
2007 15 IV 28 V 3 VIII 25 IX 27 X
 2008 15 IV 3 VI 15 VIII 8X 25 X
Limits 15-26 IV 28 V-5 VI 3-15 VIII 25 IX-8 X 20-25 X
2006 28 IV 8 VI 5 VIII 28 IX 26 X
2007 13 IV 5 VI 3 VIII 27 IX 27 X
Negru aromat
2008 15 IV 28 V 15 VIII 25 IX 25 X
Limits 13-28 IV 28 V-8 VI 3-15 VIII 25-30 IX 20-25 X

The absolute productivity index of Feteasc neagr variety is superior (265.8), considering
the grape size, but the relative productivity index is inferior (90.4) in comparison with Codan
(175.8) and Balada grape varieties (132.2), due to a lower percentage of fertile shoots.

Table 2.

The fertility and productivity indexes for the wine grape sorts in Iasi vineyard (2006-2008)

% fertile shoots Absolute Relative Absolute Relative

Grape variety Year Difference fertility fertility productivity productivity
% Significant coefficient coefficient index index
to control
2006 50.0 1.00 0.50 213.0 106.5
Feteasc neagr 2007 56.8 1.00 0.57 289.0 164.7
(control) 2008 39.0 1.33 0.52 295.3 115.4
Average 48.6 - - 1.11 0.53 265.8 90.4
2006 61.0 1.26 0.77 219.3 134.0
2007 73.2 1.17 0.85 210.6 153.0
Balada
2008 56.0 1.30 0.73 195.0 109.5
Average 63.4 +14.8 * 1.24 0.78 208.3 132.2
2006 72.0 1.00 0.72 195.0 140.4
2007 69.8 1.13 0.79 318.7 223.0
Codan
2008 70.0 1.09 0.77 232.2 164.0
Average 70.6 +22.0 ** 1.07 0.76 248.6 175.8
2006 61.0 1.00 0.61 158.0 96.4
2007 76.3 1.17 0.89 272.6 208.5
Arca
2008 67.0 1.33 0.63 259.4 122.8
Average 68.1 +19.5 ** 1.17 0.71 230.0 142.6
2006 60.0 1.12 0.67 153.4 91.8
2007 60.5 1.26 0.76 225.5 136.6
Negru aromat
2008 65.0 1.04 0.68 113.4 74.1
Average 61.8 +13.2 * 1.14 0.70 164.1 100.8
DL 5% = 11.1%;
DL 1% = 16.1%;
DL 0.1% = 24.2%

The obtained grape production (4.8 kg/wine for Balada, 4.6 kg/ wine for Arca, 3.6 kg/ wine
for Negru aromat) are close (without significant differences) to the control variety Feteasc
neagr with 4.5 kg/vine. The exception is the Codan variety with a production of 6.9 kg/vine,
significantly higher compared to the control variety (tab. 3).
The sugar content of all four grape sorts is significantly lower than control variety Feteasc
neagr (200.3 g/l): Balada (187.7 g/l), Negru aromat (185 g/l), Codan (179.7 g/l) and Arca
(175.3 g/l). The total must acidity is normal, values being close to the control variety, without
significant differences.
 Table 3.
The quantity and quality of grape production for wine grape sorts in Iasi vineyard (2006-
2008)

Average Mass Grape production Sugars Total

Grape grape of 100 acidity
Year
variety weight berries kg/vine Dif. Significant t/ha g/l Dif. Significant (g/l
(g) (g) H2SO4)
2006 213 189 4.3 16.2 193 5.0
Feteasc
2007 289 193 5.2 19.7 203 4.9
neagr
(control) 2008 222 188 3.9 14.8 205 5.0
Average 241.7 190 4.5 - - 16.9 200.3 - - 4.97
2006 174 183 5.4 20.4 183 5.3
2007 180 188 5.8 22.0 184 5.2
Balada 2008 150 91 3.1 11.7 196 4.6
-
Average 168 154 4.8 +0.3 - 18.0 187.7 0 5.03
12.6
2006 195 166 5.5 20.8 175 5.1
2007 282 224 8.7 32.9 185 4.9
Codan 2008 213 165 6.6 25.0 179 4.8
-
Average 230 185 6.9 +2.4 ** 26.2 179.7 00 4.9
20.6
2006 158 169 4.6 17.4 177 5.1
2007 233 213 6.8 25.7 170 5.0
Arca 2008 195 145 2.5 9.4 179 5.2
-
Average 195.3 175.7 4.6 +0.1 - 17.5 175.3 000 5.1
25.0
2006 137 149 3.3 12.5 186 4.3
2007 179 149 4.7 17.8 177 4.4
Negru
aromat 2008 109 97 2.7 10.2 192 4.4
-
Average 141.7 131.7 3.6 -0.9 - 13.5 185 00 4.4
15.3
DL 5% = 1.6 kg; DL 5% = 10.2g/l;
DL 1% = 2.4 kg; DL 1% = 14.9 g/l;
DL 0.1% = 3.5 kg DL 0.1% = 22.3 g/l

CONCLUSIONS

1. The air temperature, sunshine period and atmospheric precipitations influence the vines
developing processes, these take place normally only within certain thermo and hydro-limits.
In general, these limits are met Iasi vineyard. All of these lead to establishing an close bond
between the optimum development of vines phenophases, grape composition, wine
characteristics and the accomplished production.
2. The studied grape varieties registered high grape productions especially Codan (6.9
kg/vine, meaning 26.2 t/ha), then Balada (4.8 kg/ vine, meaning 18 t/ha) and Arca (4.6 kg/
vine, meaning 17.5 t/ha), but the sugar content was inferior to control variety at all times.
3. Codan grape sort had a high grape production (26.2 t/ha) in the context of a high sugar
content (179.7 g/l) while Balada had a grape production of 18 t/ha and a sugar content of
187.7 g/l.
4. Arca and Negru aromat had inferior results regarding quality and production quantity in
Iasi vineyard.
5. Feteasc neagr, a traditional grape sort for Iai vineyard proved to be superior to the other
studied varieties, mainly regarding quality, in the context of relatively high grape productions.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was financed by the National Center of Program Management, GERMOVIT
project, no. 52-116/15.09.2008.

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