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WSET Diploma D5 - Fortified Wines > Port Grapes and Growing Environment > Flashcards

Port Grapes and Growing Environment Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the name of the region in which Port is made?

A

The Douro

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2
Q

How large is the Douro? How much of it is planted to grapevines? How much of it is registered DO Porto?

A

250,000 ha total

43,500 ha under vine

32,000 ha registered DO Porto

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3
Q

What is the climate in the Douro? What are the typical high and low temperatures annually?

A

A warm continental climate with summer temperatures reaching 40⁰C and winter temperatures in the freezing range.

It is also dry.

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4
Q

What makes the Douro wine region drier and hotter than the nearby towns of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia?

A

Farther distance from the Atlantic

The Serra do Marão mountain to the west, blocking cooling influences

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5
Q

Where are Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in relation to the Douro?

A

70km to the west

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6
Q

Is the Douro divided into sub regions?

A

Yes, the Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo, and Douro Superior

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7
Q

Does the vineyard area in Douro follow any geographical features or is it relatively freely planted?

A

The region itself follows the path Douro river and vineyards are planted in its vicinity and along its estuaries

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8
Q

How does temperature and rainfall compare among the sub regions of the Douro?

A

Baixo Corgo, the most westerly, is coolest and wettest (900mm rainfall per year)

Cima Corgo is warmer and drier than Baixo Corgo (700mm rainfall per year)

Douro Superior, the most easterly, is the warmest and driest (450mm rainfall per year)

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9
Q

Which of the Douro’s three sub regions is the least planted? Why?

A

Douro Superior due to the increased drought risk due to low rainfall. The flatter land, however, has recently seen increased plantings to allow for mechanization.

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10
Q

True or False

The climate in each of the Douro sub regions is largely uniform and climactic assumptions can be made about vineyards based on their sub region

A

False. The winding Douro and its myriad tributaries form a vast number of microclimates that affect viticultural quality. Temperature and average sunlight may differ in a single vineyard.

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11
Q

What type of soils are prevalent in the Douro?

A

Shallow stony soils with a schist bedrock

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12
Q

What is unique about the bedrock in the Douro? How does this affect vine growth?

A

The bedrock layers are positioned vertically due to ancient tectonic movements. This allows vines to dig their roots through the layers into subterranean water sources.

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13
Q

How is the Douro demarcated in relation to schist soils? Why?

A

The boundary of the denomination almost exclusively follows the borders of the schist deposit in the area. Vines are able to reach through the schist to the water table, but unable to do so through the granite bedrock in neighboring areas.

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14
Q

Is irrigation permitted in the Douro?

A

No, unless there are extreme circumstances requiring it, such as hydric stress on the vines.

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15
Q

What are the three vineyard layouts in place in the Douro?

A

Socalcos

Patamares

Vinha ao Alto

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16
Q

What is the traditional vineyard layout of the Douro?

A

Socalcos

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17
Q

What are Socalcos?

A

A narrow, terraced vineyard supported by walls of dry rock traditionally used in the Douro. They permit planting densities up to 6,000 vines per hectare.

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18
Q

Are Socalcos suitable for vineyard mechanization?

A

Not generally, but the terrace can be planted at lower densities to permit tractors to enter

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19
Q

True or False

Socalcos can not be converted to other vineyard layouts

A

True. They are a UNESCO protected feature of the Douro

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20
Q

What are Patamares?

A

A terraced vineyard in the Douro that is supported by a steep earth ramp instead of a stone wall.

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21
Q

Are Patamares suitable for vineyard mechanization?

A

Yes, by means of a ramp that runs diagonally up the slope

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22
Q

True or False

Patamares are cheaper to implement and maintain than Socalcos

A

True, though erosion and weed growth on the ramps can be problematic

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23
Q

What is the typical planting density in Patamares vineyards? Why?

A

3,000-3,500 vines/ha

The ramps used for mechanization take up a lot of space

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24
Q

Is there more than one kind of Patamares?

A

Yes. Large, wide Patamares were designed for older, bulkier mechanized tools and permits two rows of vines to be planted

Modern, narrow Patamares only support one row of vines and are carved by modern bulldozers using laser precise technology.

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25
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two styles of Patamares used in the Douro?

A

The older, wider Patamares are able to plant two vines but there is uneven ripening as the sunward row receives more sunlight.

Newer Patamares are tilted slightly toward the slope, which improves water retention and reduces erosion. The single row ensures the crop will fully ripen but reduces yields.

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26
Q

What is Vinha ao Alto?

A

A vineyard method used in the Douro where vines are planted in vertical rows up the side of a hill

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27
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages to using Vinha ao Alto?

A

It is inexpensive to plant and maintain, and it allows for planting at 5,000 vines/ha.

Water run-off and erosion can be a problem and mechanization cannot be used in this configuration if the incline is at 40% or greater.

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28
Q

Which vineyard configuration is most likely to be used in the Douro if the incline of a hill is 40% or greater? Why?

A

Patamares, to permit for mechanization

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29
Q

What vine training is used in the Douro?

A

Cordon trained, spur pruned

Head trained, cane pruned

VSP trellising

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30
Q

What is the intention of the vine training methods used in the Douro?

A

To ensure even sun exposure and accessibility to mechanization where possible

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31
Q

What is the goal of summer pruning in the Douro?

A

To ensure sun exposure for grape ripening

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32
Q

Which rootstocks are widely used in the Douro? Why?

A

110R and 1103P, both of which are V. rupestris and V. berlandieri hybrids.

They are tolerant of drought

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33
Q

What is the primary concern when planting new vineyard in the Douro?

A

Maximizing vineyard area, specifically the vine density, vineyard layout, and planting material (varietal, rootstock, etc.)

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34
Q

True or False

Varieties are interplanted in single vineyards in the Douro

A

True, often to maximize the vineyard area and ensure the grapes ripen

35
Q

What is the maximum permitted yield in the Douro? What yields are typical?

A

The maximum is 55hl/ha, though 30hl/ha is more likely due to dry conditions and vineyard hazards

36
Q

What viticultural hazards must growers in the Douro contend with?

A

Late spring frost

Cool, wet weather from the Atlantic in the western part of the region during the early summer, disrupting fruit set

Downy mildew and botrytis can be issues in the Baixo Corgo due to the wetter conditions there

37
Q

How are downy mildew and botryis prevented in the Baixo Corgo?

A

Through canopy management techniques

38
Q

Are fertilizers and herbicides permitted in the Douro?

A

Yes. The soil lacks nutrition and weeds can grow on the Patamares, competing with the vines for vital water resources

Small mowers may also be used to address weeds

39
Q

What vineyard management technique is used in Vinha ao Alto vineyards of the Douro to reduce erosion and weed presence? What other advantages does it have?

A

Cover crops

They also add soil nutrition and improve soil structure

40
Q

Is sustainable or organic viticulture practiced widely in the Douro?

A

Farmers are using these techniques wherever possible and it is gaining in practice

41
Q

Is harvest carried out by hand or by machine in the Douro?

A

By hand, though an aging workforce and regional depopulation is presenting the risk of being unable to carry out manual harvesting.

Symignton Family Estates is developing a mechanized harvester that can operate on the terraced vineyards

42
Q

In which sub regions of the Douro does harvest tend to begin and end?

A

It usually begins in the Douro Superior and end in Baixo Corgo

43
Q

How long does harvest in the Douro take? Why?

A

Typically several weeks due to the various microclimates of the Douro, the different varieties grown there, and the use of relatively slow hand harvesting

44
Q

How many varieties are permitted in the production of Port?

A

Over 100

45
Q

Which five varieties have been the focus of replanting efforts and clonal research in the Douro since the 1980s?

A

Touriga Franca

Tinta Roriz

Tinta Barroca

Touriga Nacional

Tinto Cão

46
Q

True or False

Many of the vineyards in the Douro are planted with a field blend

A

True, as that has been the traditional way of planting and many small vineyard owners continue to do so

47
Q

Are Port producers looking beyond the five prescribed varieties to other grapes? Why not why not?

A

They are, specifically for color and acidity, with a focus on indigenous varieties and their future potential in the face of climate change

48
Q

Describe the viticultural characteristics of Touriga Franca.

A

Late Ripening

Tight bunches of thick skinned grapes

Vigorous

49
Q

Where is Touriga Franca typically planted in the Douro? Why?

A

On south facing slopes at lower altitudes. It is late ripening and able to withstand the sunlight and heat associated with those conditions.

50
Q

Is Touriga Franca susceptible to disease? If so, which ones?

A

It is particularly resistant to disease due to its thick skins

51
Q

Is Touriga Franca a vigorous varietal?

A

Yes. It is typically managed through summer pruning

52
Q

What does Touriga Franca contribute to Port?

A

Color

Tannins

Acidity

Juicy red and black fruit with floral aromas

53
Q

Is Tinta Roriz early, mid, or late ripening?

A

Early ripening

54
Q

What are synonyms of Tinta Roriz? Where are they used?

A

Tempranillo (Spain)

Aragonez (elsewhere in Portugal)

55
Q

Where is Tinta Roriz best suited for planting in the Douro? Why?

A

In cooler sites because it is susceptible to water stress

56
Q

Is Tinta Roriz low yielding or high yielding?

A

High yielding, requiring pruning to ensure aromatic concentration

57
Q

What does Tinta Roriz offer to Port wines?

A

Body

Deep color

58
Q

Is Tinta Barroca an early, mid, or late ripening varietal?

A

Early

59
Q

Where is Tinta Barroca best suited for planting in the Douro? Why?

A

In the coolest sites, generally in high altitude or north-facing slopes of Baixo Corgo and Cima Corgo.

It is an early ripening varietal that is susceptible to grape shriveling and heat damage. Acidity and color also fade more quickly

60
Q

What does Tinta Barroca offer to Port wines?

A

Earthy aromas. It lacks the floral character of other Port varieties

61
Q

Is tinta Barroca low yielding or high yielding?

A

High yielding

62
Q

Describe the viticultural characteristics of Touriga Nacional.

A

Mid ripening

Thick skinned

Vigorous

Susceptible to coulure

63
Q

What does Touriga Nacional offer to Port wines?

A

Acidity

Deep color

High tannins

Concentrated black fruit and floral aromas

64
Q

Is Touriga Nacional often used in low-end, mid-range, or premium Port? Why?

A

The long aging potential and concentrated flavors make it best suited for premium wines

65
Q

Is Touriga Nacional a vigorous varietal?

A

Yes, and it needs to be managed through summer pruning

66
Q

What is a synonym for Tinta Amarela? Where is it used?

A

Trincadeira (throughout Portugal)

67
Q

Is Tinta Amarela susceptible to disease? Why or why not?

A

Yes, due to its tight berry clusters. It is particularly susceptible to fungal disease.

68
Q

What does Tinta Amarela offer to Port wines?

A

Full body

Concentrated black fruit and spicy notes

Approachability in youth and aging potential

69
Q

Is Tinta Cão low yielding or high yielding?

A

Low yielding

70
Q

Is Tinta Cão low yielding or high yielding?

A

Low yielding

71
Q

Is Tinta Cão susceptible to fungal disease? Why or why not?

A

No. It has thick skins

72
Q

Is Tinta Cão early, mid, or late ripening?

A

Late ripening

73
Q

Is Tinta Cão resistant to heat?

A

Yes

74
Q

What does Tinta Cão offer to Port wines?

A

Concentrated aromas

High acidity

Ageability

75
Q

What does Sousão offer to Port wines?

A

Deep color intensity

High acid

76
Q

What is the most planted black varietal in DO Porto? Why?

A

Touriga Franca due to its aromatic and structural complexity, ability to grow in hot conditions, and resistance to disease

77
Q

Is Sousão becoming less or more popular in the Douro?

A

More popular due to its deep color and ability to retain acidity

78
Q

What are the key white grapes in Port production? What are their synonyms?

A

Malvasia Fina (Boal in Madeira)

Moscatel Galego Branco (Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains)

79
Q

What types of Port are produced with Malvasia Fina?

A

Fairly neutral white Port with medium acidity, full body, and a slightly honeyed character

80
Q

What types of Port are produced with Moscatel Galego Branco?

A

Unaged styles of white Port with an aromatic quality

81
Q

Why are the vast majority of Port wines made as a blend?

A

To minimize the impact of vintage variation and use the best characteristics of each varietal

82
Q

Why are the vast majority of Port wines made as a blend?

A

To minimize the impact of vintage variation and use the best characteristics of each varietal

83
Q

Are old vines used in contemporary Port production?

A

Yes. Their grapes are generally an important part of premium Port and some producers make Port exclusively from vinha velha

84
Q

What is a field blend? How is it relevant to Port production?

A

A mix of grape varieties coplanted in the same vineyard. They are picked at the same time and made into wine together. They offer different character to wines made from varieties that reach full ripeness in distinct vineyards.

WSET Diploma D5 - Fortified Wines (23 decks)

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