Abstract
In the context of the SUWIR project, LCA is used to estimate the life-cycle environmental impacts of different wines.
SUWIR (Towards sustainable viticulture: a case study on wines from resistant grape varieties in South Tyrol) is an interdisciplinary research project of the Free University of BozenBolzano aimed at studying the value of wines obtained from disease resistant grape varieties in the framework of a more ‘green’ and sustainable viticulture according to the 2030 goal of the EU to reduce pesticide use by 50%.
The main goals and activities of the project is to compare wines from disease-resistant grape varieties grown in South Tyrol (Souvignier gris, Solaris, Bronner, Johanniter, Cabernet eidos, Muscaris and other minor varieties) with conventional wines. The comparison is carried out with regard to the organoleptic properties of the wine, the environmental impacts of their production and the consumer acceptance.
The functional unit on which to apply the analysis is a liter of wine, ready for bottling. The whole life cycle starts with the field activities and considers the complete winemaking processes in the cellar as well. Where possible, primary data are used, collected by interviewing farmers about their on-field activities, especially in relation to crop protection.
The data of interest are mainly focused on agrochemical treatments in a production season: the type and quantity of agrochemical, the amount of water and the amount of gasoline. Other context information is collected, to make consideration on toxicity issues related to the final product, the waiting time before harvest, the boundaries constrains (e.g., distance from organic farms or houses).
With the support of OpenLCA software and some LCI and methods libraries, secondary data are used to fill data gaps and to estimate impacts. In line with the EU recommendation and the sector state of the art studies, all the relevant impacts (GHGs emissions, water use, toxicity, etc.) are investigated and the main hot spot in the production system are highlighted. The LCA results, at the end, contribute to rise knowledge about disease resistant grape varieties and their potential to be grown in South Tyrol. Well-established and globally recognized analysis methodologies such as LCA are essential to support policy choices as well. In the case of South Tyrol, for example, they can help manage the objectives of the 2030 Agriculture Plan in a scientifically informed way.