Seminar 3 Flashcards
What is the best soil conditions for a winegrower who wishes to plant a new vineyard?
Well aerated, well drained, deep (90cm), all types of soil can work.
Where should a winegrower avoid planting vines?
Avoid big compact rocks and soil with standing water.
What are the choice criteria for good rootstocks?
Rootstocks shouldn’t be too productive. Good rootstock depends on soil type. A lot can adapt to different types of soil condition and weather conditions. However an excess of limestone may cause chlorosis.
get nerdy on american rootstock selection for french soils here: https://www.bkwine.com/features/winemaking-viticulture/rootstocks-grafting-french-wine-texas/
There are about 2000 cultivars which can produce “decent wine” Why are they not all used?
A lot are better suited for table grapes. Some the temperatures aren’t suitable. Some are productive. Post phylloxera growers wanted early ripening grapes. Some are more “fashionable” then others.
What problem is entailed by a winegrower’s choice of cultivars?
Weather, drainage, soil types, pay attention to regulation. Adaptability to rootstock and soil.
What cultivar would you use in temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees Celsius?
Grenache, Tempranillo, syrah, Mourvèdre
What does mass selection consist of?
Grafting. Winegrower choose from their vineyard, they will perform the grafting themselves.
Why does “mass selection” been more or less abandoned?
Time consuming. 50% success rate. Can’t guarantee it will be virus free.
Why does mass selection still interest a certain number of wine growers?
They can control the process themselves. Trust in nurseries is limited.
What is expected from clones?
Expect different things, most importantly that they are virus free! Some yield, some fruitness.
What cultivar would a winegrower plant on a schist soil?
Grenache, Syrah, Riesling, PX in Port
Why is trellising necessary in viticulture?
Vines can’t support themselves. Also it keeps vines off the ground which prevents them from rotting and minimizes diseases. Trellising also helps spread out the canopy.
Can vine planting be mechanized?
Yes! Machines created to drill a hole and put the vine in the hole.
What are posts made of? What are the pros and cons of such posts?
1.) Wood.
Pros: Acacia is the best wood to use if you are going this route, because it doesn’t rot. Cons: have to replace every 20-30 years.
2.) Metal.
Pros: easily adjust height of the post. Cons: not as pretty as wood. Also the iron in the metal can be an issue for the wine.
3.) Plastic
Pros: Adjustable
Cons: it’s plastic
What is the trellising system’s effect on the vines?
Vine balance. Amount of shade and sun on the grapes. Ease of hand and mechanical harvesting. Allows wind/air to circulate. Makes the vineyard look organized.
What is the advantage of Y-trellising?
Can use an ordinary tractor, more sunshine (means more photosynthesis), save place
