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Vines & Vinification > Ch.1 Climate and Weather > Flashcards

Ch.1 Climate and Weather Flashcards

1
Q

The Wladimir Köppen climate classification model was first introduced in ___.

It is divided into 5 broad climate zones:

In which zone does Vitis vinifera find its natural home?

A

1900

Tropical / Arid / Temperate / Cold / Polar

Temperate

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2
Q

What are the 3 main climate areas within the Temperate zone?

The Temperate zone broadly coincides with the area bounded by ___ and ___0C and latitude range of ___ and ___.

A

Maritime / Mediterranean / Continental

10-200 C

30-500 Latitude

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3
Q

Maritime climates are influenced by:

Temperatures are ___ and winters are typically___

Some risks are:

A

Proximity of adjacent oceans.

Moderate / Mild.

  • Summer temps risk being too low.
  • Absence of dry summer increases pest and disease pressure.
  • Climates at the lower end of the spectrum risk spring frosts and uneven fruit set and crop levels due to cool/wet conditions at flowering.
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4
Q

Why are west-facing coasts more influenced by maritime conditions than others?

Name 7 grape-growing regions that are heavily affected by Maritime influences?

A

Large-scale weather systems typically move west to east, in both hemishperes.

  1. Funchal, Madeira
  2. Bordeaux, France
  3. Rias Baixas, Spain
  4. Margaret River, Western Australia
  5. Cape South Coast, South Africa
  6. Sonoma Coast, California
  7. Aconcagua, Chile
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5
Q

Mediterranean climates are generally marked by ___ or ___, ____ summers and ____, ____ winters.

Specify 3 Old World and 3 New World examples of a Mediterranean climate:

A

Warm or Hot, Dry Summers / Cool, Wet Winters.

OLD WORLD:

  1. Bolgheri, Toscana, Italy
  2. Priorat, Catalunya, Spain
  3. Bandol, Southern France

NEW WORLD:

  1. Napa Valley, California, USA
  2. Colchagua, Rapel, Central Valley, Chile
  3. Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
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6
Q

Continental climates are characterized by ___ or ___ winters, ___ or ___ summers and ______ precipitation.

Precipitation is likely to fall as ___ or ___ during winter.

A

Cool or Cold Winters / Warm or Hot Summers / Largely Uniform Precipitation.

Snow or Hail

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7
Q

Why is grape-growing generally more evenly timed in a Continental climate than a Maritime one?

A
  • Distinct seasonal temperature differences gives clearer demarcation between dormancy and budburst.
  • Temperature rises more significantly in spring from a cold base.
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8
Q

What does a Continentality Index measure?

Give an example of a region with LOW, MEDIUM and HIGH Continentality.

A
  • The difference between the average mean temperature of the warmest month and that of the coldest month.
  • i.e. A higher number = a greater difference between extreme temperatures = greater continentality.

LOW: Hobart, Australia (8.7)

MEDIUM: Verona, Italy (18.1)

HIGH: Walla Walla, Washington (23.6)

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9
Q

At what (low) temperature to V. vinifera vines start dying?

A

-15oC (5oF)

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10
Q

What does the Amerine and Winkler degree day classification system measure exactly?

A
  • This model is a calculation of heat degree days (HDDs) for a specific region.
  • Essentially, it is a classification of regions based on average mean temperatures during a 7-month growing season.
  • Mathematically, it is the average temperature of each month, minus 50 (for Fahrenheit), multiplied by the number of days in that month.
  • E.g. for an average mean temp. of 610F in May, the calculation would be: (61-50) X 31 = 341, and so on for each month. The sum is then used to place it within the different classifications.
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11
Q

What are the 5 (or 6) different classifications of the Amerine-Winkler Heat Summation Index?

A

Region I can be sub-divided into Ia and Ib. Otherwise, Region I is anything <2,500oF (<1,390oC).

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12
Q

What did Smart and Dry use to classify Australian wine regions in the 1990’s?

A

The main category was MJT, or Mean Jan/July Temperature, using the mean temperature of the hottest month (January in Southern Hem, July in Northern Hem) to put wine regions in different divisions.

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13
Q

What is GST and how is it used to group wine regions into different categories?

Identify the 4 categories and give an example of each.

A

Growing Season Temperature

This is the average mean temperature over the entire 7-month growing season

Cool: Alsace

Intermediate: Willamette Valley, OR

Warm: Chianti, Italy

Hot: Hunter Valley, New South Wales

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14
Q

How has the EU codified its member countries’ wine regions according to climate data?

What types of regulations apply depending on the corresponding climates?

A

Regions are classified A / B / C I / C II / C IIIa / C IIIb, with further sub-groups, e.g. A is cooler and may de-acidify while C is wamer and may acidify.

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15
Q

What is a specific example of a vintage that required the EU to bend its rules regarding acidification?

A

2003, which was a massive heatwave vintage.

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16
Q

What are the 3 key climatic parameters and 1 other key parameter that influence grapevine growth and berry quality?

A

Temperature / Sunlight / Precipitation

Nutrient Supply

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17
Q

2 examples of aromatic white varieties that ripen most successfully in cooler climates:

3 examples of red varieties that ripen most successfully in hotter climates:

A

COOLER: Riesling / Bacchus

HOTTER: Grenache / Zinfandel / Negroamaro

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18
Q

Biochemical reactions occur in grapevines roughly between which 2 temperatures?

A

100C and 30/350C

500F and 86/950F

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19
Q

Optimal photosynthesis rates occur between ___ and ___ resulting in the fastest rate of growth.

Above ____, growth falls away because:

Photosynthesis plateaus and declines above ____.

A

Optimal photosynthesis rates occur between 25oC and 30oC resulting in the fastest rate of growth.

Above 30oC, growth falls away because respiration continues to increase while Photosynthesis plateaus and declines above 35oC.

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20
Q

Why do diurnal shifts help to optimize grape growth?

A

Warm days encourage energy-creating photosynthesis, while lower night-time temperatures reduce energy losses from respiration.

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21
Q

How does temperature influence whether a vine’s growth is vegetative or reproductive?

A
  • Cooler temperatures tend to promote vegetative (i.e. canopy) growth.
  • Warmer temperatures promote the production of fruit (inflorescences.)
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22
Q

Flowering generally requires average temperatures of ___ for effective ___ and ___.

A

Flowering generally requires average temperatures of 20oC for effective pollination and fertilization.

23
Q

While most varieties require higher temperatures to develop fruitful buds, what is an example of a variety that has adapted to different circumstances?

A

Riesling: well adapted to cool conditions and can form potentially fruitful buds at relatively low temperatures.

24
Q

What are anthocyanins, and how is their creation affected by temperature?

A

Anthocyanins are the water-soluble pigments that make a fruit/vegetable/plant appear purple, red or blue.

Anthocyanin production is encouraged by daytime temps of 20-25oC and nighttime temps of 10-15oC, while temps >35oC can prenet anthocyanin synthesis.

25
Q

High temperatures ____ respiration rates.

A

Increase

26
Q

What 2 things can help prevent the rate of respiration from overtaking that of photosynthesis in warm and hot climates?

A
  1. Increased cloud cover to moderate temperatures.
  2. More sunshine and exposed leaf canopy to increase rate of photosynthesis.
27
Q

What is the difference between Photosynthesis and Respiration?

A

Photosynthesis is the process by which a plant converts light energy, CO2 and water into oxygen and sugars.

Respiration is the metabolic reaction whereby this energy is used for growth and then released as waste

28
Q

Even though the rate of photosynthesis increases as temperature and sunlight increase, why are cloudless skies and bright sunshine not necessarily good things for optimal photosynthesis?

A

If there is too much bright sunlight and/or warmth, vine leaves become photosynthetically saturated and photosynthesis is inhibited.

29
Q

Give a specific example of a region where, even though mean average temperatures are high, grapes still ripen successfully due to cloud cover:

A

Hunter Valley Semillon: This region, found in NSW, Australia, features a warm climate that is tempered by frequent, thick cloud cover which reflects sunlight back to the atmosphere, keeping vineyards cooler. This allows grapes to ripen without overly high potential alcohol levels.

30
Q

Identify pros (4) and cons (3) of increased exposure to sunlight:

A

PROS:

Greater color and berry maturity.

Promotes ripening in cool climates.

Improves browning maturation of canes.

Allows carbohydrate stores to be built up.

CONS:

Risk of sunburn is increased.

Loss of pH and malic acid in hotter climates.

Vines can become photosynthetically saturated.

31
Q

Generally, the ____ termperature as a result of climate change is ___ the growth cycle of the vine to ___ in the season.

A

Generally, the increasing termperature as a result of climate change is advancing the growth cycle of the vine to earlier in the season.

32
Q

Why is day length more important at higher latitudes?

In which regions is this a particularly important factor?

A
  • At higher latitudes, solar radiation is dispersed over a larger surfance area than at lower latitudes due to the lower angle of the sun (hence, their cooler temperatures.)
  • Longer hours of sunshine allow more time per day for photosynthesis to occur, allowing certain grapes to ripen.
  • Important in northern Germany and England.
33
Q

Vineyards in cool climates need around ___mm of precipitation/year.

Vineyards in warmer climates need around ___mm of precipitation/year.

Identify a region with significantly higher and significantly lower than average annual rainfall:

A

500mm

750mm

Vinho Verde, Portugal (~1,500mm/year)

Mendoza, Argentina (~200mm/year)

34
Q

In areas with maritime climates and year-round rainfall, what is critical to avoid waterlogging?

A

Soil drainage capability to ensure excess moisture is drained away.

35
Q

In areas with Mediterranean climates and rainfall that is limitied to the winter season, what is essential in the absence of irrigation?

Give an example of a region that displays this:

A

Soil properties with capability for storing sufficient reserves of water to supply the vine during the dry season.

Jerez, Spain; Limestone and chalk-rich, Albariza soils are able to absorb large amounts of water and slowly release it back to the vine via capillary action.

36
Q

Describe how grape growers can use planting density to maximize low or high amounts of rainfall, without irrigation, in La Mancha, Spain and Bordeaux, France:

A

La Mancha:

  • Planting at low density (1,000 vines/ha)
  • Annual rainfall is ~300mm, but vines get more water per plant because there are fewer of them.
  • Plants need more water in hotter climate because rate of evapo-transpiration is higher.

Bordeaux:

  • Planting at high density (9,000 vines/ha)
  • Annual rainfall is ~850mm, but vines get less water per plant because there are more of them.
  • Plants need less water in this climate because rate of evapo-transpiration is lower.
  • Additionally, drainage capability of soil is key because it prevents waterlogging and fungal diseases such as downy mildew and grey rot.
37
Q

Moving from largest to smallest, what are the different scopes of climate in relation to size?

A

REGIONAL CLIMATE (Macro-climate)

SITE CLIMATE (Meso-climate or topo-climate)

CANOPY CLIMATE (Micro-climate)

38
Q

Define and give an example of REGIONAL CLIMATE:

A
  • Operates on a scale of tens to hundreds of kilometers.
  • General climate pattern over a period of 30 years or more.
    e. g. Alsace, France or Willamette Valley, OR
39
Q

Define and give an example of SITE CLIMATE:

A
  • Operates on a scale of tens of meters to kilometers.
  • Focuses on the local climate and topography, such as aspect, steepness of slope, proximity to bodies of water, and vegetation.
  • e.g. Aloxe-Corton, Burgundy or Montagne de Reims, Champagne.
40
Q

Define and give an example of CANOPY CLIMATE:

A
  • Operates at the scale of the vine, from millimeters to meters.
  • Focuses on the vine and the soil, both within and immediately outside the vine canopy.
  • e.g. Chambertin, Burgundy or Brunate, Barolo or To Kalon, Napa Valley.
41
Q

How does a region’s LATITUDE affect its climate?

A
  • At higher latitudes, the sun’s rays hit the earth at a more oblique angle, dispersing the energy over a larger area and reducing its intensity, i.e. it is cooler.
  • Day length is longer during the summer at higher latitudes, meaning vines can photosynthesize for longer each day and are less likely to be affected by water stress.
42
Q

How does a region’s ALTITUDE affect its climate?

A
  • Temperature drops as altitude rises.
  • Advantageous in areas closer to the equator, as they otherwise might be too hot.
  • Lower altitudes are preferred at higher latitudes.
43
Q

Most of the world’s great wine regions lie at lower altitude levels. What are the altitude ranges for:

Bordeaux

Côte d’Or

Champagne

Barolo

A

Bordeaux: Sea level - 100m

Côte d’Or: 200 - 350m

Champagne: 100 - 200m

Barolo: 250 - 400m

44
Q

How does a region’s proximity to MOUNTAIN RANGES affect its climate?

A
  • Mountain ranges affect altitude and rainfall (providing a rain shadow effect.)
  • Since weather systems move from the west to east, it is the east-facing sites that are protected e.g. Alsace, Willamette Valley.
  • Some mountains also provide a source of irrigation via snowmelt.
  • Absence of mountains also affects wine regions, e.g. in the Mediterranean, by enabling maritime air to penetrate deeply eastwards.
45
Q

Explain how the Rain Shadow effect works:

A
  • Prevailing weather systems move from west to east.
  • Rain precipitates on the windward side (the side facing the prevailing wind).
  • The air, now absent of moisture, warms as it flows down the leeward (or sheltered) side.
46
Q

Provide an example of a WARMING ocean current, which region it affects and how it does so:

A

The Gulf Stream

  • Originates from the Gulf of Mexico and warms cooler climates of Western Europe.
  • The current branches into the N. Atlantic Current and south-westerly winds transporting the current across the Atlantic.
  • The effect is that the warming current allows viticulture to be successful in Bordeaux, but also much farther north, e.g. Germany, England and Wales.
47
Q

Provide an example of a COOLING ocean current, which region it affects and how it does so:

A

The Benguela Current

  • The Benguela current flows north from Antarctica up the west coast of Africa, bringing cool breezes to vineyards.
  • Hence the adage that “South African vineyards need to be able to see the sea.”
48
Q

In regards to vineyards planted on slopes, what is a “termal zone”?

How is this beneficial for viticulture?

Provide 4 examples:

A

A “thermal zone” refers to the middle slope of a solitary hill, or one that projects into a valley, that develops a layer of warm night air, because there is no source of colder air from higher up.

This reduces the risk of both spring and autumn frosts.

  1. Le Corton, Aloxe-Corton, Burgundy.
  2. Kaiserstuhl, Baden, Germany.
  3. Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia.
  4. Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France.
49
Q

How does proximity to large bodies of water aid viticulture in COOLER regions?

Give 3 examples:

A
  • Large bodies of water buffer vineyards against diurnal and seasonal temperature fluctuations.
  • Larger bodies of water (the larger the better) change temperature at a slower rate, so they help to warm nearby land masses.
    e. g. Finger Lakes in NY, Lake Okanagan in B.C., Canada, Mosel river in Germany.
50
Q

How does proximity to large bodies of water aid viticulture in WARMER regions?

Give an example:

A
  • Large bodies of water bring additional moisture and afternoon cooling to warmer vineyard sites.
    e. g. Rutherglen in Victoria, Australia, is cooled by afternoon breezes blowing up the Murray river from Lake Mulwala.
51
Q

How can proximity to vegetation benefit viticulture?

Provide an example:

A
  • Lines of trees/forest can act as a windbreak, preventing damage or frosts.
    e. g. pine forests running down the west coast of the Médoc act as a major windbreak from prevailing westerly winds.
52
Q

What are 3 natural (non-anthropogenic) causes of climate change?

A
  • Tectonic plate movements.
  • Volcanic eruptions.
  • Earth’s orbit around the sun.
53
Q

What are the 4 main anthropogenic casues of Climate change?

A
  1. Population Growth.
  2. CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) release.
  3. Carbon release from large-scale deforestation.
  4. Burning of fossil fuels.
54
Q

What are the 3 main gases driving global temperature increase?

A
  1. Carbon Dioxide (the main driver.)
  2. Methane.
  3. Nitrous Oxide.

Vines & Vinification (2 decks)

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