Growing Environment Flashcards
What nutrients are important for a vine?
Nitrogren, phosphorus, and potassium
Not a lot is needed
Too much will cause too many leaves to grow
Too little will cause chlorosis (yellowing leaves)
Describe Maritime climates.
Cool to moderate temperature
Low continentality
Rainfall evenly spread out throughout year
Grapes can continue ripening far into Autumn
Ex. Bordeaux
Describe Continental climates.
High continentality
Short, dry summers
Rapid temperature drop in Autumn
Suited to grapes that bud late and ripen early
Ex. Chablis, Champagne
Describe Mediterranean climates.
Low continentality
Warm, dry summers
More warmth and sunlight (compared to Maritime)
Wines are fuller bodied with riper tannins, higher alcohol, and lower acidity
What is “earthing up”? Why is it important?
Using earth to cover up and protect the graft of a plant
Temperatures below -20°C can seriously damage or kill the vine (especially the graft)
What are the 4 methods for protecting against spring frost?
Heaters: Create heat and keep the cold air from settling and causing frost
Wind machines: Keep temperatures at ground level above freezing
Sprinklers: Water on the vine freezes and releases heat into the plant to protect buds and shoots
Thoughtful vineyard design: Cold air sinks to the lowest point
What is budburst?
When does it happen?
New shoots beginning to grow
Happens in Spring, at the start of the growing season
What is humus?
Decomposing plant and animal materials
They are rich in plant nutrients and have excellent water-retaining properties
Describe photosynthesis.
Plants use sunlight to combine CO2 and water to produce glucose and oxygen
What happens if a plant gets too much water?
How can you prevent it?
Too much water during the growing season will make the vine keep growing shoots and leaves (instead of ripening the grapes)
Prevent it by:
1. Planting on a slope
2. Installing drainage pipes
What is Diurnal range?
Why is it important?
Difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures
Cool nights help slow the loss of aroma and acidity during ripening
Warm nights accelerate ripening
What is Continentality?
Why is it important?
The temperature difference between the coldest and hottest months
Large difference in temp = high continentality
Small difference in temp = low continentality
Continentality determines the length of the growing season and influences which grapes are suitable
What is fruit set?
When does it happen?
Forming of vine flowers and small grapes
Happens in late Spring, early Summer
What is transpiration?
The act of drawing water up to leaves through roots
