Exploring microbial variation in Grenache vineyards of different ages: A case study from Ribera del Jiloca

This study investigates how vineyard age influences microbial diversity in both soil and grape surfaces in the Ribera del Jiloca region of Spain. Three Grenache vineyards of different ages—Inclinada (72 years), Emparrado (31 years), and Banarro (4 years)—were compared using amplicon sequencing and Sanger sequencing of samples collected from soil and grape berries before and after harvest. The analysis identified several bacterial and fungal phyla: bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Planctomycetota, while fungal phyla comprised Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota. The research reveals that older vineyards harbour more diverse and complex microbial communities, particularly fungi and yeasts with oenological relevance. These findings support the idea that vineyard age contributes to the unique microbial terroir, potentially enhancing wine quality and offering insights for sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices.