Fundamentals - Viticulture Flashcards
What is the purpose of winter pruning (Dec-Mar)?
1) maintain a specific size & shape
2) focuses vigor, thus controlling productivity
When does flowering/inflorescence occur?
In May, usually 6-9 weeks after bud break
What is the purpose of green harvesting?
To limit yield
When are grapes usually picked during harvest?
As a general rule, most grapes are picked 45 days after veraison
What is oidium?
Powdery mildew
What is downy mildew also known as?
Peronospera
Which Jura-born botanist invented the solution to combat downy mildew, and what is this solution called?
The Bordeaux Mixture - a copper-sulfate spray, was developed by Pierre-Marie-Alexis Millardet
What is a more recent threat (pest) to European vineyards?
Asian fruit fly - drosophila susukii
Under what conditions will noble rot turn to gray rot?
If the weather stays cool and moist for too prolonged a period (usually in the weeks immediately leading up to harvest), noble rot turns to gray rot and can result in off-flavors in the finished wine (if salvageable) or total crop loss.
What is the impact of noble rot on the berry?
Botrytis will reduce:
-grape’s total sugar by 1/3
-tartaric acid by 5/6
-malic acid by 1/3
-water content by half
The mold produces gluconic acid, which impacts a honeyed character
What is coulure?
Poor fruit set, typically due to cloudy, cold and/or wet weather at flowering.
A lack of carbo within the vine itself causes the stem to shrivel and shed nascent berries, decreasing crop loads.
Which grapes are particularly susceptible to coulure?
Merlot and Malbec
Why do good years come in two?
Because the buds on the current year’s shoots are developing the following year’s crop, a good year is often followed by another good year (if Mother Nature doesn’t impact negatively)
What are basal buds?
Those closest to the trunk
What are the most typical training methods found in France? (Name 3)
Guyot, gobelet and cordon
