Germany Flashcards
What parallel do the main wine growing regions of Germany lie?
Between 49th-50th parallel
What is the overall climate of Germany’s wine growing regions?
Cool continental
What is the most important river in Germany?
The Rhine River
What are the biggest climactic hazards experienced in Germany?
- Spring frosts
- Untimely rainfall - increases fungal disease and dilution of grapes.
- Hail
Name two significant mountain ranges that influence German wine regions.
Taunus and Haardt
How does Baden’s climate differ to that of other German regions?
Baden is further south, stretching towards the Swiss border. It is noticeably drier, warmer
and sunnier than the others, although in cooler areas, spring frosts can still be a concern.
What is Pendelbogen in Germany?
Pendelbogen is replacement-cane pruning with the canes arched in the trellis. The arching of the canes is thought to improve the flow of sap in the vine and increase the number of viable buds, in turn increasing yields
What are the most common training methods in Germany?
- Traditionally staked individually with canes tied at top (labour intensive, requires skill).
- VSP trellising
- Pendelbogen (form of replacement cane)
Why is Germany not widely suited to organic and biodynamic viticulture?
High risk of disease.
EG. In the Mosel, the only practical way to spray is by helicopter - which could drift to neighbouring plots and vineyards, threatening organic producers accredidation.
How much of Germany’s vineyard area is certified organic?
Around 9%
What is Flurbereinigung in Germany?
Flurbereinigung is the consolidation of many small, fragmented vineyards and the building of access roads, both aimed at increasing
efficiency, making mechanisation easier and so reducing the costs of viticulture.
What factors make viticulture in most German wine regions difficult?
- Climate - high risk of fungal disease
- Topography - very steep slopes, unsuitable for mechanisation
What is the name of the tractor designed for working in steep sloped vineyards?
Caterpillar Tractor
What are the advantages and disadvantages of planting Riesling in Germany?
Advantages:
* Winter hardy
* Late budding (avoids frosts)
* Relatively frost resistant
Disadvantages
* Late ripening: needs good sun exposure and warm autumns to ripen fully.
What is the most planted grape variety in Germany?
Riesling
What is Muller-Thurgau also known as?
Rivaner
Muller-Thurgau is a crossing of which two grape varieties?
Riesling x Madeleine Royale
What is Germany’s most planted black grape variety?
Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir)
Describe wines made from Dornfelder.
Dornfelder produces wines that are deep in colour, high in acidity with fruity and floral notes. It is used to produce two quite distinct styles of wine:
* a fruity, easy-drinking style, occasionally with a little residual sugar, with aromas of sour cherry and blackberry;
* a more complex style with ageing potential produced from lower yields showing greater focus on tannins and structure, fermented or aged in oak.
Where is Dornfelder successful in Germany?
Rheinhessen and Pfalz
What are the five most planted white grape varieties of Germany?
- Riesling
- Muller-Thurgau
- Grauburgunder
- Weissburgunder
- Silvaner
How does Muller-Thurgau differ from Riesling?
- Earlier-ripening
- Higher yields
- Lower acidity
- Less structure and flavour
How does Silvaner differ from Riesling?
Lower in acidity and less character
What is Grauburgunder in Germany?
Pinot Gris