Introduction Flashcards
Wine Grapes by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and José Vouillamoz
Until the mid-20th century, how was wine labelled in Europe?
Wines were labeled by placename. Consumers often had very little knowledge as to the actual grape. American producers copied, and labelled their bottles with names using European placenames (e.g., Burgundy). Out of respect, Frank Schoonmaker, wine writer, encourged American producers to use varietals. This started a focus on varietals.
Why has the number of grape varieties increased?
In the mid 1980’s, knowledge of just the main varieties was enough. Winemakers and consumers got bored and wanted more. Focus on expanding number of varieties, and on saving disappearing varieties.
How many varieties are there in Italy?
380
How are varieties expanding across the world?
Growers in New Zealand might read of a new variety being grown in Spain and order it (respecting quarantine rules). There are a number of major vine nursuries in Italy and France that produce and ship.
If a wine is labelled with a single variety, must it contain 100% of that variety?
No. The bottle must contain 85% or more of that variety (75% in US). That means that the producer can blend in cheaper grapes and not have to indicate as such on the label.
Why does the L stand for in the full technical name “Vitis vinifera L”?
Carl von Linné, a naturalist, was the first to name this species. The “L” is a reference to him.
Wine can be made from grapes only. True or false.
True. Wine can be made from grapes and only grapes. If made using another fruit, it must be labelled (e.g., apple wine).
Describe the family in which the grape belongs.
Family: Vitaceae (woody plants that show a tendency towards trailing and twining)
Genus: Vitis (also Parthenocissus which is Boston Ivy)
Species: Vinifera (also labrusco/concord grape, riparia/Riverbank grape, aestivalis/Summer grape, rotundifolia/Fox grape)
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot…
What is the difference between Vitis Vinifera and Visit Silvestris
Vinifera - hermaphroditic (can self pollinate)
Silvestris - dioecious (all flowers on same vine are male or female; a nearby vine of the opposite sex must be present for pollination)
What is the slang for self-pollination?
Selfing
Almost all varietals are hermaphroditic. Name 1 exception.
Lambrusco di Sorbara - a female vine needs a male vine physically nearby in order to be fertilized.
What is a mutation?
Varieties will have develop mutations due to errors are likely to occur when the DNA is replicated.
What are some positive traits that mutations can bring about?
Some vines will have noticeable differences:
1. Smaller berries and thicker skins with more colouring
2. Bigger crops
3. Easier ripening
4. Vigour
5. Resistance to drought and disease
Can a new variety be created if there are too many mutations?
No. In order for a new variety to be created, there must be a mother from one species and a father from a different species.
Are Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc different species?
No. They are all mutations of the the Pinot species. This mutation is caused by a particular type of mutation: the insertion of a transposon (“jumping gene”) in the DNA region that regulates a gene responsible responsible for the production of anthocyanins
If a variety has more more mutations, does that mean it is more susceptible to mutating?
No. It means it has been around for hundreds of years, meaning it has had more time for mutations to be detected.
What is a cross?
A vareity that has been intentionally created. Also known as a intraspecifc cross).
What is a hybrid?
The product of crossing varieties from two different species.
What is a natural cross?
A cross that has occured naturally in the vineyard.
Name 2 red fleshed varieties.
- Alicante Henri Bouschet
- Odessky Cherny (Boushet x CS), grown in Kherson and Odessa
Why did French growers grow hybrids in the 1950’s and 60’s?
- Growers wanted to grow high volumes that were not impacted by disease
- High yields were more important than quality and lack of non-vinifera characteristics - money was needed
- By late 20th century, eliminated and now barred from producing quality wine.
