The grapevine production in high altitude regions of southern Brazil is recent and there is little information about the phenological stages and thermal requirements of different grape varieties. The objective of this study was to determine the phenology and thermal requirements of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station of São Joaquim, EPAGRI, (28°17'39" S; 49°55'56" W, altitude 1,415 meters). The phenological stages evaluated were bud break, flowering, change in berry skin color and maturity, during seasons 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07. Thermal requirements were calculated by degree-days, considering base temperature of 10°C. At harvest, technological maturity was determined by analyses of total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH. It was observed a delay in vine cycle, because harvest occured later in this place than in other Brazilian regions. The thermal durations are a good indicator of vine development phases. Regions above 1,300m should give preference to varieties with cycle between September 15 and April 15.
high altitude regions; degree-days; Vitis vinifera L.
