Harvest and Quality of Grapes Flashcards
How many cultivars of wine-making grapes are there?
Over 10,000. Although 13 cover 1/3 of all global production
What colour is the flesh of red and white grapes?
Transparent, with the exception of Alicante Bouschet, which is red.
At what longitude are most of the world’s grapes grown?
30-50deg north/south of equator
What are the characteristics of flat wine producing areas?
High volume production, although lower quality due to less-direct sunlight, water stagnation and rot
What are the characteristics of grapes grown in sloped areas?
Reduced volume, more concentrated sun exposure, better water drainage, generally higher quality
How much colder does it get with every 100m of elevation?
Approx .1c
What is a general quality of grapes grown in high altitude areas?
Thicker skins, to protect from increased UV exposure
How much does UV strength increase with every 300m in elevation?
10-12%
What is considered the best elevation for producing grapes?
300-600m above sea level
What are the 3 main categories of geological formations?
- Magmatic rock (volcanic)
- Sedimentary rock (e.g. sandstone, clay, limestone)
- Metamorphic (formed through pressure; e.g. slate, quartz)
What are the 4 attributes soil is characterised by?
- Level of fertility
- Structure
- Mineral composition
- Colour
How are climates generally defined?
By their proximity to water or oceans
What is the average temperature and characteristics of a MEDITERRANEAN climate?
- 13-15 deg
- Good sun exposure
- Dry summers
- Wind influence
What is the average temperature and characteristics of a MARITIME climate?
- 11-12.5 deg
- Avg. sun exposure
- Moderate and regular rainfall
- Heating/cooling effects from ocean currents
What is the average temperature and characteristics of a CONTINENTAL climate?
- avg. temp 10-12 deg
- Average sun exposure
- Strong influence from nearby water or mountains
- Strong diurnals
What is the average temperature and characteristics of a MOUNTAIN climate?
- Avg. temp 3-10deg
- High sun exposure
- High rain
- Cold
What are some examples of detrimental climatic effects during a vintage?
- Winter frosts
- Spring frosts
- Extreme temperatures
- Hail
- High rainfall, followed by heat
- Cold periods during ripening (uneven ripening)
- Bushfires
- Rain during harvest
- Floods
What are the defining characteristics of TERROIR?
A French word that means “somewhereness”. It is defined by its culmination of:
- The raw material
- The soil
- The climate
- The regulations that apply to the area
- The influence of the winemaker/viticulturalist
What is the equation for sugar to potential alcohol?
17-18g of sugar per litre = 1% of potential alcohol
