Grape Growing- sparkling

Question 1

Why is chardonnay well suited to the production of autolytic styles of sparkling wine?

Answer 1

-apple and citrus aromas compliment rather than compete with yeast autolysis aromas

Question 2

Why is early ripening of fruit flavours in chardonnay an asset in cool conditions?

Answer 2

-retains high level of acidity and low levels of alcohol needed whilst avoided under ripe flavours

Question 3

Is chardonnay early or late ripening? What are the risks of the answer?

Answer 3

-early budding
-spring frosts

Question 4

What hazards is chardonnay susceptible to?

Answer 4

-colure
-millerandage
-frost
-powdery mildew
-grape vine yellows
-botrytis bunch rot (especially in wet periods before harvest)

Question 5

What is another benefit of chardonnay?

Answer 5

-yields high in the best years, w/o loss of quality

Question 6

What hazards is pinot noir susceptible to?

Answer 6

-think skinned= disease prone
-colure
-spring frosts
-downy & powdery mildew
-botrytis bunch rot
-fan leaf
-leaf roll

Question 7

What are the difference in yields with pinot noir and chardonnay?

Answer 7

-pinot noir: more moderate
-quality drops if yields too high

Question 8

What does pinot noir lend to blend?

Answer 8

body

Question 9

What are the 3 factors within the grape variety that can influence style of wine?

Answer 9

1. Intensity of aromas
2. Ability to retain acidity whilst ripening
3. How the base wine responds to autolysis
   -eg chard= creamy
   - xarello= toasty and smoky

Question 10

Why is particular attention needed to avoid grapes with grey rot?

Answer 10

-the laccase enzyme released by botrytis infected grapes causes oxidation

Question 11

Why does harvesting occur earlier than still wine production?

Answer 11

-achieve high acid and low potential alc
-grapes avoid autumn rains- fungal disease avoided