Oenology Flashcards
In what country does wine come from?
Georgia
What is the fermentation called?
Must
What are the two types of alcohol in wine?
1) Ethanol
2) Glycerol
What are wines called that are only produced from one type of grape?
Single-varietal wine
What region has a tradition of blending grapes?
Bordeaux
How does red wine obtain it’s colour?
Through maceration process
Explain the maceration process
1) Grapes are crushed
2) Macerated: Skin and flesh of the grapes are mixed. The skin components, tannins and colour are then extracted.
Explain tannins
Compound found in the skin that gives structure.
For what type of wine is there a maceration process?
Red
What does cold climate mean for the grapes?
More acidic with less alcohol (good for whites)
What does hot climate mean for the grapes?
Less acidic with more alcohol (good for reds)
Explain terroir
Geographical space with several aspects: Soil, weather, topography etc.
Most common species of vine?
Vitis Vinifera
Explain the composition of a vine
Roots, trunk and shoots. The trunk are in two parts. It’s a Vitis Vinifera grafted with American Rootstock. American Rootstock has Omega-10
What pest attacked the Vitis Vinifera?
Phylloxera disease
Where is it possible to grow ungrafted vines?
Sandy or volcanic soil
How often does a vine need to be replaced?
Every 50 years.
What are the main points of having a old vine?
Tend to produce better wine. However, the risk is that the yield can decrease.
What are the two methods that can be chosen for replanting a vineyard?
1) Cloning
2) Massal selection
Explain clones.
Same variety. Grown in nurseries. Adapts to specific aspects of the terroir. Already grafted and ready for planting. Allows reproduction of the same type of wine. However, less diversity and the characteristics might not be identical to the vines previously used. When using clones you can get the same amount yield (plants per hectare).
Explain massal selection
Selects a vine from own vineyard that has specific qualities. E.G. resistance to disease. The shoots are cut and the vine is grafted with the American rootstock. Main advantage: Preserving inherent characteristics but still diverse. Downside: Health risks, more labour intensive = more expensive. The DNA is different from plant to plant (because of the American rootstock) and that’s why there’s a health risk
How long does it take before a vine produces grapes?
three years.
How many grape varieties are there?
Around 10.000. But there are 13 that are the most popular.
What are the four things to consider when choosing a grape?
- Climate.
- Requirements for specific regions or appellations.
- Topography.
- Type of soil.
Explain Chardonnay
Most popular white grape in the world. Both hot and cold climate. Light to full-bodied dry depending on climate. Napa Valley, USA and Burgundy, France.
Explain Sauvignon
White grape. Cold climates. Light-bodied, refreshing and dry. Marlborough, New Zealand and Loire Valley, France
Explain Riesling
White grape. Cold climate. Light to medium-bodied, refreshing, sometimes sweet. Alsace, France and Mosel, Germany.
Explain Chenin Blanc
White grape. Mostly in cold but can be found in hotter climates. Refreshing, light to full-bodied and even sweet. Loire Valley, France & Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Explain Ugni Blanc/Trebbiano
White grape. Hot climates. Refreshing light to medium-bodied. Provence, France and Tuscany, Italy.
Explain Viognier
White grape. From Valley, Switzerland. Cold climate but hotter influencer.
Explain Cabernet Sauvignon
Most popular red grape in the World. Hot climates. Full-bodied and strong tannins. Bordeaux, France and Napa Valley, USA.
Explain Merlot
Red. Mild to hot climates. Full bodied and soft tannins. Ticino, Switzerland. Mendoza, Argentina. Bordeaux, France
Explain Gamay
Red. Cold climate. Light-medium bodied and with soft tannins. Vaud, Switzerland and Beaujolais, France.
Explain Pinot Noir
Red. Cold climates. Light to medium-bodied wines. When climate is warmer (not too hot) it’s full-bodied wines with soft tannins. Burgundy, France and Central Orago, New Zealand.
Explain Tempranillo
Red. Hot climates. Full-bodied wines with strong tannins. Rioja, Spain
Explain Syrah
Red. Hot + cold climate. Ron valley and Australia.
Why is it that different plants thrive in different climates?
The photosynthesis is different from vine to vine.
Are blends most common for red or white wines?
Red.
What is the Bordeaux blend made from?
Cabernet Sauvignon + Merlot
What is the topsoil made of?
Hummus
What is hummus?
Decomposition of leaves, grass and other plants by soil microorganisms.
What are the layers of the soil called?
Horizons
What are the two Horizons?
1) Topsoil
2) Subsoil
What does the subsoil consist off?
Minerals, it should be low on nutrients.