Vineyard management practices to mitigate the effects of climate change on ‘Monastrell’ grapes quality

Abstract Future climate change is expected to increase climate variability, along with the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Rising temperatures and prolonged dry periods accelerate grape ripening, leading to higher sugar concentrations, reduced yields, and lower polyphenol content. These changes result in wines with higher alcohol content, which can negatively impact both wine quality and consumer health. As such, agronomic strategies must be developed to mitigate these effects on grape composition and, consequently, on wine quality. This study evaluates different vineyard management practices applied to Monastrell grapevines in Jumilla (Murcia, Spain) during the 2021–2023 vintages. Three treatments were assessed: cereal straw soil mulching, canopy shading, and kaolin application to the whole canopy. The results show that these practices influenced the vineyard microclimate by reducing canopy and soil temperatures. The shading treatment was particularly effective, reducing grape dehydration, increasing yield, and a trend of enhancing anthocyanin synthesis. Furthermore, the anthocyanin to total soluble solids (TSS) ratio was higher in berries from the shading treatment, indicating improved color stability and phenolic composition. In contrast, the effectiveness of kaolin treatment varied depending on weather conditions, with inconsistent trends in yield and polyphenol accumulation across the years. These findings suggest that shading is a promising strategy to counteract the negative effects of climate change on grape and wine quality.