Ch. 5: Vineyard Establishment

Question 1

Site selection

Answer 1

The process of selecting a site for a vineyard.

Factors include soil type (fertile vs. poor), climate, topography, water sources, laws that regulate the style of wine that can be grown in a specific region, proximity to cities for labor and clientele, and costs relating to land and vineyard management, wine style and market.

Question 2

Terroir

Answer 2

The idea that the quality and style of a wine can be attributed to the sense of place.

However, a precise, agreed upon definition does not exist. For example, in Burgundy, terroir refers to sense of place. For others, human interventions are factored in. Others the flavor and aroma of a wine to be directly due to the soil it was grown in.

Question 3

Soil preparation

Answer 3

The process of preparing the soil to successfully grow a vineyard.

The main factors that the grape grower will need to assess are:

• soil drainage and composition
• mineral composition
• the presence of pests or unwanted plants.

Question 4

Young vines

Answer 4

Vines that are approximately five years old.

In order to develop properly, winemakers will remove flourescences so that energy can go into vine growth. They typically produce low yields because the roots are not fully developed.

Question 5

Old vines

Answer 5

Vines that are generally 50 years or older.

If properly cared for and in a suitable location, the grapes can be of high quality.

Due to low yields, the wine will need to sell at super premium prices to be profitable. Vineyards that make higher yield, low to medium priced wines will need to replace the old vines.