Grape Growing And Viticulture Flashcards
What is viticulture
The art and science of vine growing
Factors that effect wine quality and style
Geography, topography, climate, soil type, grape verities, viticulture practices
How does a cool climate effect the grape
Ripens slowly, less sugar, high acid, low alcohol, more tart and lean, less ripe and juicy
How does a warm climate effect the grape
Ripen fully, more sugar, low acid, high alcohol, more lush and juicy
What are the latitudinal zones for grape growing
30 and 50
How does the skin of the grape affect flavor
Tannins(structure and astringency), color, flavor and aromas,
How does pulp of a grape affect flavor
Water, sugar,acid, seeds(bitter)
How does water moderate climate
Rivers, lakes, oceans.
Helps warm or cool an area, more moderate temperatures and lessens the diurnal shift.
How do mountains help moderate climate change
Rain shadow effect, elevation, wind
What decisions are made in the vineyard and what is there impact
Spacing- in nutritious soil, vines should be planted closer together to compete
Training-
Yield- higher yields can reduce the quality of the final product but be more cost effective short term
Green harvest- trining clusters before harvest allows the remaining clusters to get more nutrients
Harvest- hand picking, whole cluster, or machine will effect quality of the final product. How big of a bucket will determine how many grapes get crushed prematurely
How does frost/freeze impact the vine
Damage or kill vines/ buds/ or flowers
How does hail effect the vines
Can shatter grapes on the vine or damage limbs
How does strong winds effect the vines
Blow vines over, blow off buds or flowers
What is a diurnal shift
Large temperature swing between day and night
Large diurnal shifts effect
Slows the ripening usually lending to higher quality and complexity
How does sunshine effect the grapes
Thickens the skins ( known for imparting tannins/ color/ flavors/ aromas)
Ripens the grape lowering the acidity, easing the sugar levels, ultimately producing a higher alcohol wine
Gravely soil vs clay
Gravel - tends to warm and retain and emit heat throughout the night warming vines. Drains well and does not retain much moisture.
Clay- holds and emits no heat, does not drain well.
Mesoclimate
Climate of a single vineyard site
Microclimate
Climate of a single vine
Macro climate
Climate of an area/ region/ appellation
Climate defined by its proximity to a large body of water
Maritime
What is phylloxera
Vine louse the decimated 1/3 of worlds vineyards in mid to late 1800’s
Positive effects of wind
Combat mold by introducing dry air
Cooling and warming of the vines
What is rain shadow effect
Area on the other side of a mountain opposite a body of water. Generally better weather, dryer/ more sun
Examples of regions that have rain shadows
Eastern Washington
Alsace France
Mendoza
Rioja Spain
What vine species produces most quality grape verities
Vitis vinifera
