England and Wales Flashcards
When did modern winegrowing start in England and Wales?
after Second World War
How did modern wine growing start in England and Wales
mainly using German crosses or hybrids - traditional Champagne varieties were also planted in several estates in the late 1980s with a view to make traditional method sparkling wines
How much does Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier varietals account for in England and Wales
75% of all plantings and production in England and Wales
General SAT for white sparkling wines in England and Wales
high acidity
med alcohol
light to med body
flavors of apple and lemon along with autolytic notes
very good with some outstanding examples
premium to super premium prices
Besides white sparkling wines what other sparkling are made in England and Wales?
rose
Where are vineyards located in England and Wales?
northernly latitude - all located above 50 resulting in long daylight hours and a cool climate
How do long daylight hours and cool climates assist with making sparkling wines in England and Wales
suitable for growing grapes for traditional method sparkling wine
Where are 2/3 of all UK’s vineyard located?
South East of England
Where are vineyards that account for 85% of all production found in England and Wales?
southern England - although there are vineyards in Wales and other parts of the UK
What is the climate in Southern England?
cool maritime climate
average growing season temps of 14 C growing from 13C within the last century - still cool but less marginal
What do cool temps in England result in?
slow ripening, slow sugar accumulation, preservation of acidity and medium intensity fruit characters
What has occurred in recent years that has helped producers to ripen fruit in more years than previously
warming of the climate - raising quality
What has caused England difficulties over the more recent years
extreme weather events such as heavy rain, frost damage, earlier budding due to warmer springs
What type of varieties are being planted more in England instead of german and hybrid varietals? why?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir due to warmer springs allowing for earlier budding varieties being able to be planted more
What is the biggest threat to yields in England?
prolonged rains and cool temps in June and July which can affect flowering and fruit set
What year was the wettest year in England where some estates did not pick any grapes?
2012
Besides June and July, when else can rain be a major threat for grapes in England?
during harvest in October
How can producers protect from rains in October in England
timely spraying for fungal disease and managing financial risks of fluctuation in yields and quality are highest priorities
What is important to consider when selecting sites to grow and ripen fruit in ENgland?
grape growing at northern latitudes and that south facing slopes are best for max sunlight exposure
site selection should concentrate on ones that maximize shelter from prevailing winds that are generally from southwest
good drainage is essential
altitude below 125 m above sea level
Describe soil types in England
vary across the country
Clay predominates Kent and parts of Sussex
Sussex and Hampshire have large amounts of chalk
What do clay soils provide to England wines?
slightly lower acidity
more pronounced fruit
high water holding capacity and fertility
What do chalk soils provide to England wines?
good drainage and lower fertility
tend to be on slopes at high elevations making more vulnerable to adverse weather
gives more finesse but higher acidity and leaner body
