Grapevines are traditionally grown without artificial irrigation
in the Mediterranean semi-arid regions. In recent years, however,
irregular precipitation, desertification related processes, introductions
to new arid growth areas and the development of
inexpensive and reliable irrigation equipment led to an increase in
the number and extension of irrigated vineyards (Cifre et al., 2005).
The ability to manipulate water availability of plants has led to the
development of several deficit irrigation techniques, which were
shown to improve grape quality without significantly affecting
quantity (Chaves et al., 2010). Nevertheless the intimate and complex
interaction between genotype, environment, and molecular
regulation of metabolism limits our predictive capability regarding
the effect of water deficit on wine quality. As a result, today more
than ever before, it is relevant to understand the physiological and
molecular mechanisms governing the interactions between berry
quality and the environment in which the vine is grown.