4.1 Growing Environment & Grape Growing Flashcards
In general, Madeira experiences ____ summers and _____ winters.
In general, Madeira experiences warm summers (averages around 20-22°C) and mild winters (averages around 16-17°C); lack of winter dormancy can be a problem in the warmest sites
True or false?
Madeira’s majority of rain falls in the autumn and winter.
True.
True or false?
As a mountainous island, there is a range of microclimates, with temperatures becoming cooler with altitude.
True.
The mountains, reaching up to 1,800m, cause moist air in the humid winds arriving from the north-west to cool and condense into rainclouds, meaning that the north and centre of the island are considerably cooler and wetter (rainfall can exceed 3,000 mm per year in the centre) than the south.
True or false?
Madeira has an area of approximately 50,000 ha, of which only around 100 ha are planted with vineyards. The vineyards can be found up to altitudes of around 1000 m and tend to be located relatively near the coast with forests covering the mountainous centre of the island.
False.
Madeira has an area of approximately 74,000 ha, of which only around 500 ha are planted with vineyards. The vineyards can be found up to altitudes of around 800 m and tend to be located relatively near the coast with forests covering the mountainous centre of the island.
The soils of Madeira are of _______ origin and high in nutrients. This, together with plentiful rain, provides fertile conditions and therefore vigorous vines.
The soils of Madeira are of volcanic origin and high in nutrients. This, together with plentiful rain, provides fertile conditions and therefore vigorous vines.
How did disease in the 1800s effect Maderia?
The powdery mildew and phylloxera that devastated Madeira’s vineyards in the late 19th century dramatically changed the make-up of grape varieties on the island.
The wines from varieties such as Malvasia and Terrantez was already highly esteemed, and Verdelho was the most planted grape variety. However, with vinifera varieties decimated, producers began to plant American and hybrid vines that were more resistant to pests and disease, and could therefore produce large, reliable crops.
However, these vines could not produce wines of the same quality as vinifera varieties, and hence, with help from EU schemes, a significant proportion of these vineyards has been replanted. (That said, it is still thought that a substantial number of Madeira’s vineyards are planted with American vines and hybrids, although these grapes cannot be used to make Madeira.)
Several vinifera varieties are permitted for the production of Madeira. What grapes play a key role and how are they categorized?
These were traditionally categorized into ‘noble’, ‘good’ and ‘authorized’; the noble category reserved for Sercial, Verdelho, Boal and Malvasia.
However, they are now split into ‘recommended’ varieties and ‘authorised’ varieties, the latter category mainly made up of varieties that were introduced after phylloxera but have not shown the same potential for quality as the recommended varieties.
Tinta Negra is the main vinifera variety that has been planted since the arrival of phylloxera, able to produce high yields and being relatively easy to grow. It was at one point categorised as ‘good’ but now is in the ‘recommended’ category alongside the traditional varieties of Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, Malvasia and Terrantez. These traditional varieties have remained important for the quality of wine that they can produce, although their plantings are small.
List the six key grapes used in the production of Madeira.
- Tinta Negra
- Sercial
- Verdelho
- Malvasia
- Terrantez
Describe the grape: Tinta Negra.
This black grape is the most planted variety on the island. It is high yielding and easy to grow. It is only since 2015, that producers have been able to state the grape variety, Tinta Negra, on the label. However, much Tinta Negra is used to make wines where a level of sweetness rather than a grape variety appears on the label. It is used to produce wines at all sweetness levels.
Describe the grape: Sercial.
This grape is known for its high acidity and is used in the driest styles of Madeira. It is late ripening and especially in cool sites can be the latest variety to be picked, barely above the minimum level of potential alcohol. It is resistant to powdery mildew but susceptible to botrytis bunch rot and can experience poor fruit set. Plantings are small.
Describe the grape: Verdelho.
This grape is the second most planted vinifera variety. It has high acidity, but slightly lower levels than Sercial. It is susceptible to botrytis bunch rot, coulure, and downy and powdery mildews.
Describe the grape: Boal.
Boal is an umbrella term for a number of grape varieties. The variety that grows on Madeira is Boal Cachudo, and is also named Malvasia Fina, as is found in White Port. It grows best on the warm, low altitude sites in the south of the island. However, it is susceptible to drought and therefore needs adequate irrigation to thrive. It is typically used to produce semi-sweet wines.
Describe the grape: Malvasia.
This is an umbrella term for a number of grape varieties. Malvasia Cândida was historically the most important Malvasia, and is still highly prized for its quality. However, it is very susceptible to powdery mildew, which can limit yields, and therefore there are currently only small plantings. Malvasia de São Jorge is the most common Malvasia grown on Madeira. It can produce relatively high yields but is susceptible to botrytis bunch rot.
Desrcibe the grape: Terrantez.
Plantings of this variety are very limited. It is susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot and is therefore picked soon after it reaches 9% abv potential alcohol.
True or false?
Madeira is not mountainous and vineyards are very easily planted.
False.
Madeira is a mountainous island and many vineyards are terraced to make planting on steep slopes viable.
