Grape Growing - Viticulture Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of Viticulture?

A

The art and science of vine growing.

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2
Q

Location & Geography: what are four considerations?

A
  1. Site Selection: where exactly the grapes will be grown.
  2. Goals: the goals of the winemaker
  3. Regional Laws: are specific to each reason
  4. Financial Considerations: can be expensive but depends on region
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3
Q

What is the definition of climate?

A

Weather conditions in an area in general or over a long period of time. Includes temperature, humidity, air pressure, air pressure, rain fall, sunshine, cloud cover, and wind.

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4
Q

What is a macro-, meso-, and micro-climate?

A

Microclimate: entire region
Mesoclimate: particular vineyard
Microclimate: single vine rows

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5
Q

What is a continental climate?

A

Strong annual temperature variations due to lack of proximity to bodies of water. Hotter summers and colder winters.

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6
Q

What is a maritime climate?

A

A climate influenced by a large body of water. Mild temperature variations throughout the year.

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7
Q

What is a Mediterranean climate?

A

Hot and dry summers, coastal summers are mild due to cold water proximity.

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8
Q

What is a high desert climate?

A

Hot and dry summer. Daytime high temperatures, nighttime low temperatures.

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9
Q

What is a diurnal shift?

A

The difference between the average daytime high temperature and nighttime low temperature. This can affect the ripening of grapes and balance of sugar and acid.

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10
Q

What are sunshine hours?

A

The number of sunshine hours a vineyard or wine region receives in a vintage or growing season

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11
Q

What do bodies of water do?

A

They can cool or warm a region. Ex: river, lake, ocean

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12
Q

What does altitude do for grape growing?

A

Every 100 meter rise in elevation, temperature drops by one degree in warm/hot regions. Increased elevation = cooler temperatures that slow down grape ripening

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13
Q

What does wind do for grape growing?

A

Depending on the direction, grape growing can 1) cool a region, 2) warm and dry the air, and 3) help prevent mold.

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14
Q

What is the rain shadow effect?

A

One side of the mountain is dry while the opposite side is experiencing poor weather.

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15
Q

What is the benefit of growing grapes on the hillside?

A

1) better soil drainage
2) less fertile soil due to erosion
3) lower chance of frost
4) harder to maintain during growing and harvest

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16
Q

Explain the valley floor.

A

Pool air, susceptible to frost and overly fertile soil

17
Q

What is aspect?

A

Facing toward or away from the sun

18
Q

What are the soil types?

A

Clay, slate, limestone, granite, chalk, sand, shist

19
Q

What are the tree grape species?

A

1) Vitis Labrusca
2) Vitis Riparia
3) Vitis Vinifera

20
Q

Described the traits of Vitis Vinifera.

A

1) native to the Mediterranean, Europe, and SW Asia
2) most common Species for quality grape production
3) 10k varieties

21
Q

What is the vintage?

A

The year the crop is produced. Each vintage can be a different indicator of style, quality, and price.

22
Q

What is canopy management?

A

Managing the growth of leaves to shade or expose grapes and determine airflow.

23
Q

What is irrigation?

A

Allowing the vine to have enough water in growing season.

24
Q

Name the fungus and pests vines experience.

A

Fungi: Botrytis Cinera
Pest: Phylloxera

25
Q

What is sugar ripeness?

A

The amount of sugar in the grape

26
Q

What is physiological ripeness?

A

The ripeness of the grape in totality, including stems and seeds

27
Q

What is tannin ripeness?

A

Ripeness associated with tannin

28
Q

Describe hand harvesting v. Mechanical harvesting.

A

Hand harvesting: labor intensive and slower but more selective
Mechanical harvesting: economical and fast, can enhance quality of harvest especially in hot regions or with a storm incoming. Shakes the vines and takes in pests, leaves, and animals.

29
Q

Describe small-bin versus large-bin.

A

Small-bin: careful cluster selection but limits the number of clusters
Large-bin: heavy weight can cause grapes to crush prematurely and begin fermentation

30
Q

How is yield measured?

A

1) tons per acre
2) hectoliters per ton
3) pounds per vine

31
Q

What is a green harvest?

A

Winemakers thin the crop to lower the yield and allow the vine to focus on fewer bunches