Chris' Notebook: Guildsomm Viticulture Flashcards
What is viticulture?
The study of growing grapes.
When did vines first become domesticated?
5000 years ago, 3000 BC. (approx)
What was Charlemagne’s influence in Burgundy?
Directed the planting of vines on the hill of Corton, “where the snow melted first”.
When does the vine leave dormancy?
When the air reaches an average temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
When does Budbreak occur?
Between March and April, depending on climate.
What is the vine most vulnerable to after budbreak?
Frost
When does flowering occur?
6-13 weeks after budbreak, depending on the climate
After ten days of flowering, what occurs?
Self polination, fertilization, then fruitset.
What are some dangers during flowering?
Very sensitive to cold, wind, and frost.
About how much fruit is lost during Fruitset?
About 70%
How are the grapes in July?
Hard, High Acid, Low Sugar
Describe Veraison
The grapes ripen, increase in sugar (drawn from the leaves), grapes soften, change colour, and acid decreases.
What is millerandage?
Uneven ripening of grape bunches, leading to different stages of berries on the same bunch. Common with Zinfandel.
What is Cane Ripening?
Canes start to accumulate carbohydrates to sustain them through the winter.
What is Vendange?
French for Harvest
When does Harvest start?
As early as August or as late as November
What is phenolic ripening?
Rather than measuring the sugar and acid of the grape, it takes into account the quality of the seeds and stems.
Between what latitudes does most vitis vinifera growing occur?
between 30 and 50 degrees of latitude.
What is the minimum amount of sunshine hours for quality grape growing?
1300 sunshine hours
How much rain is needed to ripen?
20-30 inches of rain.
What climate has the ideal rainfall? Describe it
Mediterranean Climate, with an abundance of rain in Winter and Spring, and dry summers.
What is the effect of Water stress on the vine?
Smaller berries, lower yields.
Too much can shut down the vine.
What are the dangers of too much water?
Dilutes fruit quality, creates conditions for fungal growth.
What is the danger of too much wind? What is the boon?
Too much wind can undermine flowering, and wind chill can be harmful to the wood of vines in the winter.
Wind can also keep grapes dry, and prevent fungal diseases.
What are the three Climate sizes?
Macro Climate (regional climate), Mesoclimate (the vineyard), microclimate (unique climate around each vine)
What are some things that affect Macro Climates?
Proximity to water, placement in latitude
What are some things that affect Mesoclimates?
Aspect, slope, drainage, soil type
