Challenges-Climate Flashcards
1
Q
- Extreme heat and drought threten many wine regions. What steps can a vineyard manager take to mitigate its effects?
A
min of 600 mm a year. Drough-prone regions, < 300 mm a year | over 40C is shut down metabolism
- Cover cropping and mulching.
Spier, Stellenbosch: Comprehensive approach with animals and high-density grazing; increases in soil organic matter by 2% can double water holding capacity.
Tablas Creek, Paso Robles: Practices dry farming, biodynamic, and regenerative organic farming; uses sheep for rotational grazing, biochar, cover crops (rye grass, fescue, chicory), and keyline plow for better water absorption. - Drip irrigation and precision technology.
Daniel: 4x25ml during growing season to promote deeper root growth.
Miguel Galet: Uses drills for water collection and precise irrigation on demand. Only 800 m3/ha/year
Fruition Science, US: Sap-flow monitoring results in up to 60% reduction in water and energy usage.
Familia Torres, Catalonia (2023): Faced 54% less rainfall than historical average; implemented water conservation, soil recovery, vine training (gobelet), and contour farming. A legal change is required - Canopy Management
Shoot positioning, shading, deleafing- Matias Macias
Sunscreens and shade cloths.
Semillon, Hunter Valley: bruce Tyrell Uses kaolin clay up to 40°C.
Steve Lohr, Paso Robles: Uses shade cloth to retain 5-10% higher yields and prevent fruit desiccation. - Change cultivar, grafting, introducing new heat-resistant varieties.
Heat-resistant varieties: Australia, Koerner- Vermentino (thick leaves), Mourvèdre (deep roots). Ian Hongell, Torbeck: Opposes changing established methods, maintains bold style.
David Forrer MW, Priorat: Uses biochar for water retention; focuses on carinena/mazuelo for their drought and heat resilience.
Rootstocks Debate: Sebastian Labbe, Santa Rita: Replanted CS on 100R - Miguel Galet, Ventisquero: Notes excessive vigor and more water demand with 110R.
2
Q
To what extent is exessive precipitation during the growing season a theat in the vineyard? How can it be managed?
A
- Budbreak
Mildew Risk: use preemptive fungicides. Cu
Vineyard Structure: Ensure robust support systems against waterlogged soils.
Management: Implement drainage, maintain strong trellis systems. Younger vines might be more succeptible to structure damage
Lorenzo Pasquini Estate Manager
Chateau d’Yquem higher rainfalls is
spring creating higher pressure of downy mildew - Flowering/Véraison
Flowering- millerandage and lower yiedling risks
Excessive Green Growth: canopy management
Nutrient Leaching: Nutrients washed away; adjust fertilization schedule.
Management: Control canopy, replenish nutrients timely. - Pre-Harvest/Harvest
Difficult Access: Wet soil complicates vineyard operations. No mechanization.
Mildew and Rot: Increase in moisture-related diseases.
Dilutes flavors, acid and sugars if close to harvest.
Management: Flexible harvest planning, targeted fungicide applications.
Loire-Paul Henrie Pelle
CA-Mendoza
- Pruning
Excessive Growth: Vigorous growth increases pruning workload.
Vineyard Structure: Water damage may necessitate frequent repairs.
Management: Thorough pruning for balance, inspect/maintain trellises.- consider watterlogging rootstocks- Calardis Blanc
Acesss
3
Q
- Evaluate the principal factors to consider when stablishing a vineyard in a marginal climate?
A
4
Q
- How can drought tolerance be achieved in viticulture?
A
5
Q
- Referening at least three wine regions, discuss how climate change is influencing grape growers viticultural practices.
A
6
Q
- Temperature is one of the most impactful environmental variables on wine grape growing. How does temperature affect viticutlture?
A
7
Q
- Water avaiability is increasingly an issue in some wine producing refions. How can a viticulturist ensure water sustainability when stablishing and managing vineyards in drought prone regions?
A
