Availability of solar radiation and photoperiod were compared between the Plateau of Santa Catarina represented by Campo Belo Sul (latitude -28º00'00'' longitude -51º00'00'' and height 1000 m), and the Mediterranean region of southern France, represented by Pech Rouge (latitude 43º08'35'', longitude 03º07'59'', height 1.5 meters). The study was conducted for the maturation period of grape varieties Chardonnay, Portan, Syrah, Viognier, Carignan, Grenache, Marselan, Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon. The annual photoperiod, nighttime duration and global solar radiation, and solar radiation and maximum sunshine during maturation period were evaluated for both locations. Differences in phenological behavior and in geographical position of the two locations resulted in differences on the availability and intensity of solar radiation, as well as on the photoperiod. Despite a higher transmissivity of the atmosphere to Pech Rouge, the Plateau of Santa Catarina showed a higher availability and intensity of solar radiation during the maturation period of grapes. The accumulation of photoperiod was higher in the Plateau of Santa Catarina compared to Pech Rouge. These differences were caused by the shorter duration of the maturation phase in Pech Rouge, by the solar declination for both locations during the maturation period and by the unequal atmospheric layer in different altitudes.
grapevine; solar radiation; photoperiod; Vitis vinifera
