Chapter 3: Grape Growing and Wine Production Flashcards
What are the main stages of the annual grape growing cycle?
Dormancy, Budburst, Flowering, Fruit Set, Veraison, Ripening
What is veraison?
The stage when grapes change color and begin to ripen.
What is the ideal temperature range for vine growth?
10–20°C (50–68°F)
What are the main climatic influences on grape growing?
Latitude, Altitude, Ocean currents, Rivers, Aspect
How does latitude affect vine growing?
Most vineyards are found between 30° and 50° latitude in both hemispheres.
What is terroir?
The unique combination of environmental factors, including soil, climate, and topography, influencing wine characteristics.
What are the three main soil components important for vines?
Sand, Silt, Clay
Why is drainage important for grape growing?
It prevents waterlogging, which can damage vines and dilute grape flavors.
What are the two main pruning techniques?
Cane pruning, Spur pruning
Fill in the blank: The process of removing excess grape clusters to improve quality is called _______.
Thinning
True or False: Most vineyards are located in regions with extreme temperatures.
False
What is the role of sunlight in grape growing?
It is essential for photosynthesis, which affects grape ripening and flavor development.
What factors influence grape ripening?
Temperature, sunlight, water availability
Fill in the blank: The stage of the grape growing cycle where the grapes reach their full color and sweetness is called _______.
Ripening
What are the effects of high altitude on grape growing?
Cooler temperatures, increased UV radiation, and potential for unique flavor profiles.
What is the significance of ocean currents in grape growing?
They can moderate temperatures and influence local climates.
What are the main stages of the annual grape growing cycle?
Dormancy, Budburst, Flowering, Fruit Set, Veraison, Ripening
These stages represent the life cycle of grapevines throughout the year.
What is veraison?
The stage when grapes change color and begin to ripen
Veraison is a critical stage indicating the transition from growth to ripening.
What is the ideal temperature range for vine growth?
10–20°C (50–68°F)
This temperature range supports optimal vine development.
What are the main climatic influences on grape growing?
Latitude, Altitude, Ocean currents, Rivers, Aspect
These factors significantly affect the microclimate of vineyards.
How does latitude affect vine growing?
Most vineyards are found between 30° and 50° latitude in both hemispheres
This range is optimal for grape ripening due to sufficient sunlight.
What is terroir?
The unique combination of environmental factors, including soil, climate, and topography, influencing wine characteristics
Terroir is essential in defining the identity of a wine.
What are the three main soil components important for vines?
Sand, Silt, Clay
Each soil type affects drainage and nutrient availability.
Why is drainage important for grape growing?
It prevents waterlogging, which can damage vines and dilute grape flavors
Proper drainage ensures healthy root systems.
What are the two main pruning techniques?
Spur pruning and Cane pruning
These techniques help manage vine growth and fruit quality.
What is canopy management, and why is it important?
Techniques to control the vine’s leaves and shoots to optimize sunlight exposure and air circulation
Proper canopy management enhances grape quality and disease resistance.
How does the age of the vine affect grape quality?
Older vines often produce lower yields but more concentrated flavors
This is a desirable trait for many winemakers.
What is the purpose of green harvesting?
To remove excess grape bunches to concentrate the flavors in the remaining grapes
This practice improves the quality of the final wine.
What are the key pests and diseases that affect grapevines?
Phylloxera, Powdery mildew, Downy mildew, Botrytis (Noble Rot)
These threats can significantly impact grape yield and quality.
What is phylloxera, and how is it managed?
A vine pest that attacks roots; managed by grafting vines onto resistant rootstocks
This method has been crucial in protecting vineyards globally.
What are the two types of fermentation commonly used in winemaking?
Alcoholic fermentation and Malolactic fermentation
Both processes are essential for developing wine’s flavor profile.
What is alcoholic fermentation?
The process where yeast converts sugar into alcohol, CO₂, and heat
This is the primary fermentation process in winemaking.
What temperature range is typical for red wine fermentation?
20–32°C (68–89.6°F)
This range allows for optimal extraction of color and tannins.
What temperature range is typical for white wine fermentation?
12–22°C (53.6–71.6°F)
Cooler fermentation preserves the fresh and fruity characteristics of white wines.
What is malolactic fermentation (MLF)?
The conversion of malic acid to lactic acid, softening the wine’s acidity
MLF is particularly common in red wines and some whites.
What is the purpose of cold stabilization in winemaking?
To prevent tartrate crystals from forming in the bottle
This process improves the wine’s visual appeal.
What is the difference between free-run juice and press juice?
Free-run juice: Comes from grapes naturally crushed by their weight; Press juice: Extracted using mechanical pressure
Free-run juice is often considered higher quality.
What is the role of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in winemaking?
To protect wine from oxidation and microbial spoilage
SO₂ is a critical preservative in winemaking.
What are the main methods of wine maturation?
Stainless steel, concrete tanks, oak barrels
Each method imparts different characteristics to the wine.
How does oak aging affect wine?
It adds flavors (e.g., vanilla, toast, spice) and allows for slow oxidation
Oak aging can significantly enhance the complexity of a wine.
What are the main factors that influence a wine’s price?
Cost of production, Marketing, Distribution, and Taxes
These factors collectively determine the retail price of wine.
