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Viticulture > Grapes > Flashcards

Grapes Flashcards

1
Q

What are the main components of a grape?

A

Skins, pulp, seeds, water

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2
Q

What do the skins contribute to the wine?

A

Tannin, color, flavor

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3
Q

What do tannins contribute to the wine?

A

Lend structure but also astringency (dryness) and bitterness to red wines

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4
Q

What causes astringency?

A

Phenolics

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5
Q

What does color contribute to the wine?

A

Provides an intensity and hue from molecules located in the skins that are different for each grape variety

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6
Q

What does flavor contribute to the wine?

A

The most important aromas and flavors are found in the skins of the grapes and are unique to each variety. The differences come from the thicknesses of the grapes

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7
Q

What are the components of the pulp?

A

Water, sugar, acids, seeds/pip

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8
Q

What happens to sugar levels as grapes ripen?

A

Sugar levels increase as grapes ripen

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9
Q

What happens to acid levels as grapes ripen?

A

Acid levels decrease as grapes ripen

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10
Q

What do the seeds/pip contribute?

A

They can add unwanted bitterness if crushed. Winemakers try very hard not to damage the seeds when crushing grapes

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11
Q

What is the process of changing sugar and acid levels called? This process is also when the grapes start to get color in the skins.

A

Veraison

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12
Q

When does Veraison occur?

A

40-60 days after fruit set

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13
Q

Why does veraison occur?

A

Carbohydrates in the roots and trunk transfer sugars to the berries. Sucrose is converted to glucose and fructose.

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14
Q

How can one tell from the seeds when grapes are ready from a tannin perspective?

A

The seeds turn a nutty brown in color

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15
Q

What is the genus of wine grapes?

A

Vitis

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16
Q

What is the species of wine grape most wines are from?

A

Vinifera (Vitis vinifera)

17
Q

What other species of wine grape can be made into wine?

A

Vitis labrusca
Vitis riparia
(both native to N. America)

18
Q

Where is Vitis vinifera from?

A

Mediterranean, Europe, SW Asia

19
Q

How many varieties of vinifera exist?

A

over 10,000

20
Q

What are the 8 international grape varieties?

A

Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot

21
Q

What is important to consider when matching grapes with a potential planting location?

A

Local wine laws: can this variety even be planted here and/or use the regional appellation name on the label?

Is the grape compatible with the climate? Will it ripen? Or will it get too ripe and become out of balance?

Is the grape compatible with the soil? Does the soil help the grape ripen properly?

Marketability: will you be able to sell the wine you make?

22
Q

What is viticultural propogation?

A

Grape vine breeding

23
Q

What is a vine hybrid?

A

Vines of two or more different species are are combined to produce a new variety (vinifera is combined with labrusca)

24
Q

What is an example of a hybrid?

A

When european species were combined with America labrusca species to help with the phylloxera outbreak. This, however, did not take off and only 5% of global wine grapes are hybrids.
Vidal Blanc, sometimes compared to riesling, cross of Ugni Blanc and hybrid Rayon d’Or. Grown around Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, Ontario, and produces dry and ice wines

25
Q

What is a vine cross?

A

A cross is a combination of two vines of the same species to create a new variety (ex, Cabernet Sauvignon from Cab Franc and Sauvignon Blanc)

26
Q

What is an example of a cross?

A

Cab Sauv is a cross of Cab Franc and Sauv Blanc. It was likely unintentional as it was done in the 1600s.

27
Q

What is a vine clone?

A

An identical genetic reproduction of a single vine.

28
Q

What is an example of a grape variety that has many clones?

A

Cloning became popular in the 1960s-70s when growers propogated vines from their favorite vineyards. Pinot noir seems to have a long history of cloning and mutates easily, making cloning very practical. Pinot noir has over 1000 clones. All pinot noir clones come from France. Some “old school” example include Pommard, UCD4, UCD15

29
Q

Why do hybrids, crosses, and clones exist? Why are they created?

A

The often are ways to avoid pests, disease, and other issues. Deliberately made to improve yield and life of the vine.

30
Q

What does a cool climate do to grapes as they ripen?

A

Grapes ripen slowly and moderately
Less sugar is produced
Grapes have higher acidity
Less alcohol potential because less sugar
Flavors are tart and lean, less ripe and juicy

31
Q

What does a warm climate do to grapes as they ripen?

A

Grapes ripen fully
More sugar is produced, allowing more alcohol to be produced
Grapes are less acidic
Flavors are more ripe, lush, and juicy

32
Q

How many clones of Cabernet Sauvignon are there?

A

A dozen or so. Far less than other much older grapes such as pinot noir.

Viticulture (9 decks)

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