Ampelographic and oenological characterization of the ancient grapevine cv. Dobricic grown in the coastal region of Croatia

A four-year study (2007 through 2010) was carried out to determine agronomic, biological, and oenological characteristics of Dobricic grapevines so as to evaluate this cultivar and protect it from extinction. 38 characteristics from the OIV descriptor list were used to describe young shoot, mature leaf, cluster, and berry morphology of Dobricic grapevines. The dimensions of an average leaf were constructed from measured leaf variables. A typical Dobricic genotype at nine microsatellite loci is presented. ELISA analysis revealed high virus incidence and all samples tested were GLRaV-3 positive. The profile of different classes of polyphenols in Dobricic wine was determined using HPLC and spectrophotometry. The concentrations of polyphenols in Dobricic wine, especially anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids and stilbenes, were high compared to major red wines reported in the literature. Descriptive sensory analysis was carried out to determine the aroma attributes describing a Dobricic monovarietal wine. Knowledge of the biodiversity of the grapevine cultivars of Croatia is still scant. This study provides for the first time ampelographic and oenological information on Dobricic grapevines and demonstrates its high quality potential. Significance and impact of the study: The results of the ampelographic characterization would be helpful in the identification and selection of Dobricic for cultivation in certain vine-growing areas. The outstanding quality of Dobricic makes it very promising for wine blending (colour improvement) and plant breeding purposes.