Effects of Inner-Row Ground Management on the Volatomics of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ Grapes and Wines in the Region of the Eastern Foothills of the Ningxia Helan Mountains in Northwest China

Abstract

This two-consecutive-year study aimed to evaluate the effects of ground management methods on the volatomics of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapes and wines in Northwest China, in which inner-row crop covering with purslane (GRASS) and mulching with black plastic film (FILM) treatments were carried out, respectively. Compared with clean tillage (CK), the GRASS and FILM treatments changed the microclimates of grapevine fruit zones and rhizospheres, which delayed the ripening of grape berries and affected the accumulation of aroma substances in the mature grapes effectively. GRASS increased the concentration of terpenes and C13-norisoprenoids in berries and gave more floral, fruity, and caramel fragrances to wines, while FILM had the opposite effect of significantly increasing the synthesis of C6/C9 compounds and brought more green leaf flavors, showing that inner-row purslane covering is a potential and stable viticultural practice to improve the wine quality in this booming wine region.