Climate

Question 1

What is Macroclimate?

Answer 1

A region as a whole. E.g. Barossa Valley; warm, Yarra Valley; cool

Question 2

What is a Mesoclimate?

Answer 2

Climate of the vineyard. Altitude can effect the mesoclimate of vineyards

Question 3

What is the Microclimate?

Answer 3

The climate of the vines itself. Sometimes there can be between 3-4°C difference between altitude.

Question 4

What climate is Pino Noir grown in?

Answer 4

In cool climates such as Northern Tasmania and Mornington Peninsular

Question 5

What climate does Shiraz grow in?

Answer 5

Shiraz grows well in most climates but different climates will give a difference flavour profile:

Cool climate Shiraz: spicy/peppery (e.g. Grampians)
Hot climate Shiraz: jammy/fruity (e.g. Barossa Valley)

Question 6

What is the optimum baume level of a mature grape?

Answer 6

12-13 baume

Question 7

What is the optimum acid level of a mature grape?

Answer 7

3.6 pH

Question 8

What are the three major climactic factors?

Answer 8

1. Latitude
2. Altitude
3. Maritime

Question 9

What are the characteristics of cool climate?

Answer 9

• Not as many consecutively hot days
• Lower temperature preserve acidity but ripening is more difficult
• Fresh fruit flavours, more acidity

Question 10

What are the characteristics of hot climates?

Answer 10

• Consistently hot, even through the night
• Grapes lose acidity quicker and often needs added acids
• Higher alcohol content
• More ripe fruit flavours and less acidity