Effect of vineyard row orientation on microclimate, phenolic compounds, individual anthocyanins, and free volatile compounds of Cabernet Sauvignon ( Vitis vinifera L.) in a high-altitude arid valley

Vineyard row orientation is a major factor that determines the canopy microclimate. Different vineyard row orientations have been adopted to maximize terroir potential. Little is known about the impact of row orientation on the microclimatic, physicochemical, and aroma attributes of grapes in high-altitude arid valleys. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vineyard row orientation (north–south and east–west) in the high-altitude arid valley regions on microclimate and grape chemical components in high-altitude arid valley regions. To this end, two vineyards were selected, and both vineyards adopted a north–south and east–west row orientation. The results showed that in the two vineyards, the row orientation changed the canopy microclimate, including soil temperature, canopy temperature, and photosynthetically active radiation, as well as the phenolic compounds, individual anthocyanins, and volatile compounds of grapes. In terms of the microclimate, the north–south row orientation promoted balanced photosynthetic performance and temperature between the two sides. Grapes from the north–south oriented rows presented higher reducing sugar and lower titratable acidity during berry ripening. Grapes from east–west oriented rows demonstrated a better association with volatile variables. The north–south orientation was proven to be favorable for balancing the gap between technological, phenolic, and aromatic maturity. This information will be useful for vineyard establishment and integrated management, and it will provide more strategies for exploring distinctive tastes and structures in wines from arid valley regions.