VITICULTURE
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ELISABETTA NICOLOSIExpected Learning Outcomes
The course allows students to acquire knowledge of modern viticulture, with particular emphasis on grapevine morphology, ampelography, and biology. The main aspects of grapevine ecophysiology will also be addressed, with particular attention to the processes regulating the vegetative and productive cycles. The knowledge acquired will enable students to understand the relationships between the plant and its environment and to make informed technical decisions aimed at achieving specific quantitative and qualitative objectives in grape and wine production.
Expected learning outcomes according to the Dublin descriptors:
Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of grapevine morphology and physiology, and understanding of the main physiological mechanisms regulating growth and yield, aimed at the correct technical vineyard management.
Applying knowledge and understanding: ability to apply the knowledge acquired to interpret specific aspects of grapevine development and the soil and climatic factors that influence its productive performance and quality.
Making judgements: ability to interpret plant-environment relationships by assessing the main factors affecting grapevine physiological processes, in order to identify appropriate technical strategies to optimize plant performance and mitigate the effects of environmental stresses.
Communication skills: ability to clearly, effectively, and appropriately communicate and discuss the development and major issues of viticulture at regional, national, and global levels, using appropriate technical and scientific terminology.
Learning skills: ability to independently apply the knowledge and skills acquired to the analysis of case studies in the wine sector, integrating knowledge from different disciplinary areas and establishing connections with other subjects within the degree programme.
Course Structure
If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Textbook Information
Text 1 "Manuale di Viticoltura" - A. Palliotti, S. Poni, O. Silvestroni - Edagricole, 2018
Other reccomended text:
"La vite e il vino" - Collana Coltura & Cultura. Bayer CropScience, 2007 "Viticoltura di Qualità" - M. Fregoni - Techiche Nuove, III Edizione, 2013
The teacher may provide additional teaching materials available on the Studium platform to support the learning activities and provide further in-depth coverage of the topics addressed during the course.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the course: the viticulture landscape. Origin and spread of viticulture. | Cap. 1 Text 1 |
| 2 | Systematics of the genus Vitis. Organography and Morphology | Cap. 2 Text 1 |
| 3 | Biological cycle of the grapevine. Phenology and vegetative subcycle. The reproductive subcycle. | Cap. 3 – Text 1 |
| 4 | Ripening physiology: technological, phenolic, and aromatic. Evolution of the main grape quality parameters. | Cap. 3 e cap. 17 – Text 1 |
| 5 | Ampelography: descriptors usable for varietal recognition | Cap. 6 – Text 1 |
| 6 | Viticultural ecology, environmental suitability, bioclimatic indices and zoning | Cap. 4 – Text 1 |
| 7 | Ecophysiology of the grapevine: primary physiological processes and abiotic factors | Cap. 5 – Text 1 |
| 8 | Vegetative-productive balance and vineyard efficiency | Cap. 13 – Text 1 |
| 9 | Notes on the genetic improvement of the vine | Cap. 7 – Text 1 |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Learning outcomes will be assessed through 3–4 questions during an oral examination. The examination is designed to assess the student’s level of knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus. Student preparation will be assessed according to the following criteria: ability to learn and depth of understanding of the topics covered, ability to summarize and communicate concepts clearly and effectively, and ability to reason and critically elaborate on the topics discussed.
The evaluation follows the following scheme:
Fail (below 18/30):
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies
Ability to analyze and synthesize: irrelevant with frequent generalizations
Use of references: completely inappropriate
18-20:
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest with evident imperfections
Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate
Use of references: just appropriate
21-23:
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge is slightly above the minimum accetable level
Ability to analyze and synthesize: a fair ability to analyze and synthesize information, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner
Using references: use standard references
24-26:
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge
Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities, arguments are presented consistently
Using references: use of standard references
27-29:
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge more than good
Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis
Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth
30-30 e lode:
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent knowledge
Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis
Use of references: important insights
Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.
To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
1. Origin and spread of viticulture in Italy
2. The woody organs and canopy of the vine
3. The biological cycle: reproductive subcycle
4. Viticultural ecology and environmental suitability
5. The main physiological processes