General Physicochemical Parameters, Phenolic Composition, and Varietal Aromatic Potential of Three Red Vitis vinifera Varieties (“Merlot”, Syrah”, and “Saborinho”) Cultivated on Pico Island—Azores Archipelago

Merlot grapes cultivated on Pico Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Azores archipelago, demonstrate superior adaptation to the region's unique conditions compared to Syrah and Saborinho varieties. Over three vintages, Merlot exhibited significantly higher levels of estimated alcohol degree, total phenols (including flavonoids and non-flavonoids), anthocyanins, color intensity, and antioxidant capacity. Notably, Merlot and Syrah grapes showed a predominance of acetyl-anthocyanins over p-coumaroylated forms, contrasting with Saborinho's opposite trend. Varietal aromatic potential differed significantly only in the 2021 vintage, with Merlot and Syrah leading. These findings highlight Merlot's resilience and quality potential under Pico Island's specific vine cultivation conditions.

Jordão, A. M., Correia, A. C., Martins, B., Romão, A., & Oliveira, B. (2024). General Physicochemical Parameters, Phenolic Composition, and Varietal Aromatic Potential of Three Red Vitis vinifera Varieties (“Merlot”, Syrah”, and “Saborinho”) Cultivated on Pico Island—Azores Archipelago. International Journal of Plant Biology, 15(4), 1369–1390. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb15040095