Influence of supplementary irrigation on the amino acid and volatile composition of Godello wines from the Ribeiro Designation of Origin.

Concentrations of amino acids and volatile compounds of a given grapevine cultivar might be altered by inter-annual climate variability and management practices such as irrigation. These compounds determine, in part, aroma and sensory characteristics of wines. The current study aimed at assessing the amino acid profile of musts and wines and the volatile composition of wines from Vitis vinifera (L.) cultivar 'Godello' grown in the Ribeiro Designation of Origin (NW Spain) under rain-fed and supplementary irrigation (SI) conditions over three years (2012-2014). Supplementary irrigation increased must titratable acidity. However, must amino acid concentrations were not significantly altered by SI. In contrast, the concentrations of ethyl lactate and geraniol were greater in wines from the SI treatment. Significant correlations between amino acids in musts and volatiles in wines were observed. Our results highlight the low impact of SI on must and wine composition, likely due to the low level of water stress experienced by Godello vines. Understanding the effects of SI on wine properties could aid to adapt management practices in the future.