Vegetative and productive behavior of grapevines and composition of grapes in São Joaquim, Santa Catarina, Brazil

The objective of this work was to assess the vegetative and productive behavior of the grapevine varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, and the composition of grapes in São Joaquim, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Grapevines from a commercial vineyard, grown on vertical trellis, at 1,293-m altitude were evaluated during the 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 phenological cycles. Meteorological variables, phenology, canopy development, and composition of grapes at harvest were compared between cycles. Milder temperatures influenced the phenological cycle of the grapevine varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, which is longer and starts later than in the other wine growing regions of Brazil. Rainfall significantly influenced grape maturity in the 2006/2007 cycle. Development indexes indicate the need to adjust vine canopy management for a greater balance between vegetative growth and production. The grapevine varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc show high quality of grapes at harvest, being suitable for cultivation in São Joaquim, Santa Catarina State, Brazil.