The Growing Environment Flashcards
What are the temperatures for each of these climates…
- Cool
- Moderate
- Warm
- Hot
- Cool 16.5 or below
- Moderate 16.5 - 18.5
- Warm 18.5 - 21
- Hot 21 +
What is a Continental climate?
Very dry and hot summers, low rainfall
What is a Maritime climate?
Cool to moderate temperatures. Rainfall evenly spread throughout the year
What is a Mediterranean climate?
Warm to hot temperatures. Summers dry, can cause drought.
Below what temperature can vines fail to function?
Below 10 degrees
What temperature in growing season will ripen grapes successfully?
Between 16 and 21 degrees
What factors are associated with temperature?
- Latitude
- Altitude
- Fog
- Ocean currents
- Soil
- Aspect
- Continentality
- Diurnal range
What are the hazards linked to temperature?
- Winter freeze
- Frost
- Mild winters
- Excessive summer heat
Explain soil and how there are different types
Soil sits above underlying bedrock. Soil particles, stones and underlying rock or later deposits laid on top give the soil its name.
What is an ideal soil?
It has few nutrients and good drainage, but able to store enough water to support vine in growing season.
What are the growing seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
Northern - April to October
Southern - October - April
What do you associate ‘Graft Callus’ with and what is that?
Bench Grafting and it’s what you call it once the two canes have spliced together and healed.
What are the factors associated with sunlight?
- Latitude
- Altitude
- Aspect
- Seas and lakes
Hazards associated with sunlight?
Too little sunlight can produce underripe grapes with a tart flavour.
Too much sunlight can cause the grapes to burn and taste bitter.
Define ‘Climate’.
Climate is the annual pattern of temperature, sunlight and rainfall averaged out over several years.
Define ‘Weather’.
Weather is the annual variation that is relative to the climatic average of that area.
What happens to white and red grapes when grown in a ‘Cool Climate?’
White grapes retain more acidity and less sugar.
Red grapes struggle in cooler places and produce herbaceous and sharp styles of wine.
Why is fog good for wine growing in hot countries?
It can cool the area.
If a soil is dark in colour with a high stone/rock content what does this mean and what climate could it be suited to?
It can absorb more heat and re-radiate throughout the night. This is critical in cooler climates.
What does a soil need if it has a high water content?
More energy to get going and warm up
What does ‘Aspect’ mean?
The direction in which a slope faces
Why is it good to have south facing slopes in a vineyard?
They receive more heat
What does ‘Diurnal Range’ mean in regards to sea and lakes?
It’s the biggest factor in reducing temperatures between day and night
What are the four forms of protection in a vineyard against frost?
- Burners
- Wind machines
- Sprinklers
- Vineyard design (slopes)
