England and Wales Flashcards
When did grape growing begin in England and Wales?
After the Second World War, mainly using German crosses and hybrids
When were traditional Champagne varieties planted in England and Wales?
- In the late 1980s
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier account for what percentage of the plantings in England and Wales?
~70%
All the grapes in England and Wales are grown at or above what latitude and what is the climate for those grapes?
- The grapes grown in England and Wales are all located above the 50th parallel.
- This results in long daylight hours and a cool climate
The vineyards of southern England account for what percentage of all production?
85%
What is the average temperature and climate for southern England?
- Cool Maritime
- It has gone from 13°C(55°F) (marginal for successful commercial growing) to 15°C(59°F) (still cool but less marginal)
While the climate has gotten warmer, what are some of the new climatic factors that producers in England and Wales are now facing?
- There is an increase risk of frost damage due to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir being early budding varieties, and earlier budding caused by warmer springs
What is the biggest threat to producers in England and Wales?
The prolonged rains; Due to the cooler climate, rain and cool temperatures in June and July can affect flowering and fruit set, which can dramatically affect yields.
Some producers did not pick any fruit at all in 2012, which was the wettest June in 100 years.
What factors are taken into consideration when selecting a site in England and Wales?
- Since grapes are grown so far north, south-facing aspects are best for maximum sunlight exposure
- Finding sites with maximum shelter from prevailing winds which are generally from the south-west. Strong winds and rain can hinder flowering and fruit set, and disperse heat.
- Good Drainage is essential to avoid wet soils and root zones. Best sites will either have naturally draining soils, or will need to have drainage installed.
- Altitude below 125 m above sea level
What are the two main soil types found in England and Wales?
- Clay predominates in Kent and part of Sussex
- Other parts of Sussex and Hampshire have significant amounts of Chalk
What are pros and cons for planting on either Clay or Chalk in England and Wales?
- Grapes grown on chalk soils generally have more finesse, higher acid, and a leaner body.
- Chalk soils generally have good drainage and low fertility
- Chalk soils tend to be found at higher elevations, making them more vulnerable to adverse weather.
- Clay has high water-holding capacity and fertility
- Clay soils give slightly lower acidity and more pronounced fruit
What are some of the viticultural practices in England and Wales?
- Medium density plantings (4,000 - 5,000 vines per ha)
- Guyot system with VSP is preferred
- Narrow Rows with canes trained relatively low to the ground to help retain heat in the fruiting zone
- Thin canopies to allow air and light to reach buds and fruit, also lowering the disease pressure and getting better penetration with sprays.
What is the minimum amount of time sparkling wines from England and Wales must spend on the lees?
9 months
True or False,
Most of the base wines produced in England and Wales are aged in oak?
False, only a few producers are ageing in oak (to add texture) but most of the wines are aged in stainless steel.
True or False,
MLC use is high in England and Wales due to the high amounts of acid that comes with growing grapes in a cool climate?
True
