ULTERIORI APPROFONDIMENTI DEGLI EFFETTI DELLA DIMENSIONE DEGLI ACINI SULLA QUALITA’ DELL’UVA NELLA CV CABERNET SAUVIGNON

In this study we reported the results of a second year of study conducted during 2008 season on irrigated Cabernet Sauvignon\ 1103 P vineyard. We addressed the study of whether differences in berry size (within a population of berries from different bunches) would lead to differences in qualitative parameters and whether flowering process can influence berries variability and qualitative parameters. Berries were classified at pea size into two categories according to their equatorial diameter: ≤ 7 mm as small and ≥ 9 mm as large berries. Development of the two berry categories was evaluated from “pea size” (12th June) to harvest (16th September) in terms of berry mass, equatorial berry diameter, soluble solid, pH, titratable acidity, total anthocyanin and flavonoids content (mg\kg of grapes, mg per berry). Significant differences were recorded between the two berry categories in terms of morphological and qualitative parameters. Results confirmed that berry differences exist within a cluster and that berries belonging to the same bunch show different growth patterns and ripening evolution. Definitely source-sink relationships on the same bunch are mainly influenced by the progression in flowering, which in turns modifies the berry parameters.