Climate And Wine Flashcards
Temperatures below 15 degrees in the final month of a grape’s maturity leads to what?
Acid loss is minimised
Temperatures above 21 degrees in the final month of a grape’s maturity lead to what two things?
A rapid loss of malic acid in the grape
A lower total acidity
Late maturing grape varieties need what conditions?
A long, warm growing season
A high total temperature
Early maturing varieties have what climatic requirement?
They have a relatively low total heat requirement and will ripen quickly.
What is the definition of a maritime climate?
A climate with relatively low temperature variation across the seasons
What is the definition of a continental climate?
A climate with relatively high temperature variation across the seasons
What effect does sunlight have on wine grapes?
As photosynthesis is partly affected by sunlight, longer sunlight hours will produce more sugar and consequently more alcohol
How does heat affect a vine’s metabolism?
It increases respiration
What is the overall effect of good heat but poor sunlight?
Less ripe grapes
How does rain affect ripening?
It can result in poor vintages
It can cause juice dilution
