England and Wales

Question 1

The traditional champagne blend accounts for what percentage of grapes grown in the UK?

Answer 1

70%

Question 2

All vineyards in the UK are above what latitude, with what result in terms of daylight hours and temperature

Answer 2

50Degrees
Long daylight hours and cool temperatures. This means slow ripening, slow sugar accumulation, and intense fruit flavour development.

Question 3

What percentage of all vineyards are in the south of the UK?

Answer 3

85%

Question 4

What is the average growing season temperature? What are the pros and cons of the increasing temperature

Answer 4

14C (up 1 C since the 1950s)
This is better for grape growing that the average 13C, but it also bring adverse extreme weather events such as hail and spring frosts (particularly dangerous given springs are getting warmer so budding is earlier)

Question 5

Prior to the champagne varieties, what grapes were planted? Why?

Answer 5

German varieties and hybrids as they were hardier. Later budding which protected them against spring frosts.

Question 6

What is the biggest threat to grape growing?

Answer 6

Prolonged rain during flowering / fruit set (June / July) - 2012 example of terrible weather.

Question 7

Given the latitude of the UK, what considerations need to be taken on board when choosing a site location?

Answer 7

• Southerly slopes to maximise sun exposure
• protection from the prevailing south-west winds
• Good drainage