Section 3 - Viniculture Flashcards
Name the five things a vine needs to be healthy and ripen.
- carbon dioxide
- water
- heat
- sunlight
- nutrients
How is climate different than weather?
Climate describes the weather conditions we may expect in a year, while weather is what happens in a typical day
Name three elements that control the climate of a location
- latitude
- altitude
- oceans or bodies of water
How do ocean currents and breezes affect climate in wine growing regions?
In all cases, except the west coast of France, ocean breezes are cooling. However in Bordeaux the ocean breeze is warming.
What happens to a grape if the climate is not hot enough to ripen it?
It tastes sour, astringent, bitter and lacking in fruit flavors
What happens to a grape if the climate is too hot?
They become unpleasantly jammy, low acid, raisiny or generally taste bland
Wines grown in a hot climate are what with respect to alcohol, body, tannis and acidity?
High alcohol, full body, high tannins, less acidity
Wines grown in a cool climate are what with respect to alcohol, body, tannis and acidity?
Low alcohol, light body, less tannis, more acid
What time during the year does weather have the biggest impact on grapes?
The growing season
Name four types of extreme weather that impact grapes.
- hail (damages skin, subject to rot)
- extreme cold or hot
- floods
- late frosts
How do winemakers handle vintage variations?
They rely on blending to keep style similar.
Sunlight allows grapes to combine ____ and ____ into ______
Carbon dioxide, water, sugar
What chemical species is fermented into alcohol?
Sugar
In high latitude regions (far away from the Equator) what might you do with vineyards to ensure there is enough sunlight?
Plant on a slope or near a river that reflects sunlight
Too much water does what to grapes (six things)
- causes them to be bloated
- high yields
- less body
- lowers potential alcohol
- diluted flavors
- it can also lead to rot if there is dampness
For the highest quality wine, how do you manage water?
Just enough water to ensure sugar production, but no more.