NH - Unit 2 - Vineyard management - site selection

Question 1

What are the key factors for site selection

Answer 1

Regional climate
Sunshine hours
Soil Quality
Soil Type
Site Access (mechanisation)
Availability of labour
Availability of resources

Question 2

The amount of water varies depending on :

Answer 2

the climate, soil type, vine density and site topography. a vine needs in the season,vines need 500–750mm water in the growing season.

Question 3

What elements of the “water” aspect influence thet suitability of site?

Answer 3

• amount of water (varies according to climate, soil type, vine density, topography
• timing of water
• quality of water

Question 4

How can the amount of rain affect site selection?

Answer 4

in high rain areas use can be made of rain shadow created by the geography to reduce fungal disease

In low rain areas vineyards can be located close to

• rivers
• or bodies of water to aid irrigation if permitted
• underground water
• the possibility to build a dam

Question 5

How can heat of site affect the vine?

Answer 5

Vines need heat to move through the growth cycle (floral initiation, budburst, flowering, fruit set, véraison, ripening).

Too cold slows phenological development and reduces bud fruitfullness and fruit set, reducing yields, also problematic ripeness.

Too hot can help initial growth but can lead to problems with shading giving an uneven verasion, competition between bunches, staggered ripening and low berry sugar content.

Question 6

What causes the amount of sunlight to vary in a vineyard

Answer 6

Latitude

Topography
Season
Time of day
Cloud cover

Question 7

How many hours of sunshine does vinifera need?

Answer 7

Vinifera’s need around 1,250 hrs of sunshine to produce fruit

Question 8

How can sunlight exposure be influenced?

Answer 8

• By slope : north : towards the sun, south : away from the sun
• trellis design
• row orientation
• canopy management
  *

Question 9

Why do nutrient deficiencies rarely limit hte use of a soil?

Answer 9

Corrective additions of the missing elements can be made.

Question 10

Name common examples of nutrient deficiencient soils

Answer 10

• a sandy soil in a high rainfall area : likely to be deficient in potassium, calcium and sulfur
• frequently cultivated, shallow soils in low rainfall areas : often deficient in nitrogen

Question 11

What are some practical and commercial considerations?

Answer 11

• access to the site for cars, tractors, electricity and water
• availability of labour in the area
• performance and reputation of other vineyards in the are
• the wine’s potential route to market

Question 12

Roughly how many varietals are there?

Answer 12

• 8000+ grape varieties including table grapes
• around 1,400+ commercial varieties for wine

Question 13

What are the main considerations when choosing a grape variety for a site?

Answer 13

• quality of a variety
  
  • Genetic characteristics
  • Climate of the site (influences sugar, acid, pigments, tanning and flavour)
  • Winemaking can maintain of lower inherent fruit quality
  • Consumer demand now and in future
• Time it requires to complete vegetative and reproductive cycle
• Yielding potential
• Disease resistance
• Legislation

Question 14

How are sites nowadays selected?

Answer 14

Based on digitised databases and GIS (geographical information systems)

=> these methods compare topography maps, climate data and soil profiles of potential sites with those of existing, well performing vineyards.