CLIMATE INFLUENCE ON GRAPEVINE CULTIVATION IN THE MADEIRA REGION: AN OUTLOOK

Abstract

The Vitaceae family encompasses a rich diversity of species, primarily thriving in tropical or subtropical regions. Within this family, the Vitis genus takes center stage, comprising around 80 species categorized into Muscadinia and Euvitis subgenus. The latter, encompassing the Vitis species, is further divided into American, Asian, and Eurasian groups. Notably, the Eurasian group, represented by Vitis vinifera L., holds paramount significance in viticulture, giving rise to a myriad of grapevine varieties worldwide. Originating from the Mediterranean basin, the Eurasian grapevine has disseminated across temperate zones of Europe, North America, and Asia, marking its global imprint on viticultural landscapes