Delrot, S., Université de Bordeaux, UMR Ecophysiologie et Génomique Fonction nelle de la Vigne, Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin, Chemin de Leysotte CS 50008, Villenave d'Ornon, France
Medrano, H., Universitat de les Illes Balears, IMEDEA-Dept. de Biologia, Carretera Valldemossa Km. 7,5, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Or, E., Department of Horticulture Agricultural Research Organisation, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Bavaresco, L., CRA-Research Centre for Viticulture, Viale XXVIII Aprile, 26, Conegliano (TV), Italy, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Istituto di Frutti-Viticoltura, Via E. Parmense 84, Piacenza, Italy
Grando, S., IASMA Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach 1, San Michele alll'Adige (TN), Italy

Grapevine is a crop of major economical interest, and wine represents a multicultural heritage which has been growing since several milleniums. Yet, modern viticulture must face several challenges. Global climate has increased berry sugar content (and alcohol in the wine) whereas phenolic and aromatic ripeness are not always achieved. Water supply is becoming shorter. New varieties better adapted to new climatic conditions might have to be planted, which may affect wine typicity. Phytochemical treatments are more controlled, and the consumer pays increasing attention to environmentally safe practices. New methods reducing pesticide use, but maintaining yield and typicity, must be designed. The present book illustrates the recent progress made in ecophysiology, molecular and cell biology, and pathology of grapevine, as well as in precision viticulture and berry composition. Combination of these new tools with field observations will undoubtly make it easier to face the challenges described above. These multidisciplinary contributions will be of interest to anyone involved in grapevine and wine activities. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.