Role of the genotype on stilbene synthesis in grapevine

The aim of the experiment was to test the effect of the variety on the berry concentration, at harvest, of trans-resveratrol, trans-piceid, and cis-piceid, over three years (2000-2002). V. vinifera L. ‘Barbera’, ‘Croatina’, ‘Malvasia di Candia aromatica’ were grown in the Piacenza viticultural area (north-western Italy) under the same trellis design and cultural practices. Meteorological data were recorded as well. The most relevant findings were: (i) trans-piceid was the most abundant stilbene compound, while trans-resveratrol was produced at the lowest level; (ii) stilbene synthesis is strongly dependent on the genotype, ‘Barbera’ produced the highest level, and ‘Malvasia di Candia aromatica’ the lowest.