Introduction

Question 2

Until the mid-20th century, how was wine labelled in Europe?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Why has the number of grape varieties increased?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

How many varieties are there in Italy?

Answer 4

380

Question 5

How are varieties expanding across the world?

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

If a wine is labelled with a single variety, must it contain 100% of that variety?

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Why does the L stand for in the full technical name “Vitis vinifera L”?

Answer 7

Carl von Linné, a naturalist, was the first to name this species. The “L” is a reference to him.

Question 8

Wine can be made from grapes only. True or false.

Answer 8

True. Wine can be made from grapes and only grapes. If made using another fruit, it must be labelled (e.g., apple wine).

Question 9

Describe the family in which the grape belongs.

Answer 9

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…

Question 10

What is the difference between Vitis Vinifera and Visit Silvestris

Answer 10

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)

Question 11

What is the slang for self-pollination?

Answer 11

Selfing

Question 11

Almost all varietals are hermaphroditic. Name 1 exception.

Answer 11

Lambrusco di Sorbara - a female vine needs a male vine physically nearby in order to be fertilized.

Question 12

What is a mutation?

Answer 12

Varieties will have develop mutations due to errors are likely to occur when the DNA is replicated.

Question 13

What are some positive traits that mutations can bring about?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Can a new variety be created if there are too many mutations?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Are Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc different species?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

If a variety has more more mutations, does that mean it is more susceptible to mutating?

Answer 16

No. It means it has been around for hundreds of years, meaning it has had more time for mutations to be detected.

Question 17

What is a cross?

Answer 17

A vareity that has been intentionally created. Also known as a intraspecifc cross).

Question 18

What is a hybrid?

Answer 18

The product of crossing varieties from two different species.

Question 19

What is a natural cross?

Answer 19

A cross that has occured naturally in the vineyard.

Question 20

Name 2 red fleshed varieties.

Answer 20

1. Alicante Henri Bouschet
2. Odessky Cherny (Boushet x CS), grown in Kherson and Odessa

Question 21

Why did French growers grow hybrids in the 1950’s and 60’s?

Answer 21

• 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.