Abstract
The proposed study aims to acquire a scientific, technical, organoleptic and marketing vision of the terroirs in order to better promote the wines of the Corbières appellation. During the doctoral thesis, the impact of the terroir on the typicity of the wines will be studied from a molecular and sensorial point of view in order to discriminate the different zones of the Corbières. The knowledge of the molecular specificity of the wines in each of the zones, thanks to the fine chemical analysis of the aromas and polyphenols, will allow improving the image of the appellation and the communication based on concrete scientific elements.This study will be conducted over two vintages. A study of the bottled wines will allow the identification of chemical markers specific to each terroir. These wines will also be studied by sensory analysis in order to highlight comparative descriptors that will be correlated with the chemical markers. However, in view of the great diversity of possible winemaking parameters that can influence the organoleptic qualities of the wines, a study on single-varietal wines from identical mini-vinifications will also be conducted in each zone. Thus, the real impact of soil/climate on the quality of wines according to the grape varieties will be precisely evaluated.The results obtained during the doctoral thesis will be enhanced by a marketing and commercial feasibility study that will verify the relevance of the zone distinctions obtained from consumers. The objective in the medium and longer term is to develop the image of Corbières wines so that they are perceived as being qualitative wines with strong typicities linked to the beautiful diversity of its terroirs.