Global viticulture has evolved following market trends, causing loss of cultivar diversity and traditional practices. In Montenegro, modern viticulture co-exists with a traditional viticulture that still maintains ancient practices and exploits local cultivars. As a result, this region provides a unique opportunity to explore processes increasing genetic diversity. This post reports the results of a study carried out to evaluate the diversity of Montenegrin grapevines and the processes involved in their diversification. Analyses of genetic structure unveiled several putative proto-varieties, likely representing the first steps involved in the generation of new cultivars or even secondary domestication events.

Assessment of Digital Surface Models using Backpack-Mounted Systems and Drone Techniques to Characterize Ancient Underground Cellars in the Duero Basin
The use of new technologies of capture like MMS or UAV reduce the cost and time of registration and allow the improvement of knowledge of the status of this kind of high value heritage areas.

2019 In Review
This is the last post of 2019. The second year of Science & Wine existence, time for a brief reflection. This was a great year!

Post Nº 100
This is the post number 100. One hundred of weekends that I spend writing, reading, illustrating, editing and publishing the posts. The time that I spent do it is just part of the time I stole to the family, special to my youngest daughter, so today I decided to involve her in this project. The illustration is her authorship.

Monthly Assignment Challenge – May
Yes, Paula Silva, I would be honoured to continue your post on ‘The science behind the wine label’. However, I have to admit that your solemn title left me a bit nervous. After all, I am not a scientist, and even as a researcher, I consider myself a novice in academic writing.

Professional highlights in wine area
Today ended the “Mostra da Universidade do Porto” that is an annual exhibition where the University of Porto schools promote their educational offer. The most repeated question made by high school students was “What can I do with that degree?”. I always answer, “All that you want”. I really believe it! Someone with cognitive and hard work capacities, can do anything with the tools acquire during the course. Joining creativity and courage, then are congregated the conditions to a brilliant career. Of course, that a personal career also depends in the networks that each one can establish.

The terroir of Port wine: Two hundred and sixty years of history
I am very proud to be the responsible for the first review paper (The terroir of Port wine: Two hundred and sixty years of history) that provides an extensive insight regarding different aspects that influence the quality and uniqueness of Port wine.