The Growing Environment Flashcards
Continental climate
These climate have the greatest difference in temperature between the hottest and coldest months (high continentality) and are usually characterized by short summers with a large, rapid temperature drop in autumn. Cool continental climates such as Chablis and Champagne are at risk from spring frost, and low temperatures throughout the growing season can affect flowering, fruit set and ripening. They are, therefore, better suited to varieties that bud late and ripen early. Continental climates are also noted for having dry summers and so if the temperature is high then irrigation can be necessary.
Maritime climate
Maritime climates are characterised by cool to moderate temperatures and a low annual difference between the hottest and coldest months (low continentality). Rainfall tends to be evenly spread throughout the year which helps to moderate the temperature. This means that temperatures are warm enough for grapes to continue ripening far into the autumn. Consequently, maritime Bordeaux can successfully ripen the thick-skinned grape variety Cabernet Sauvignon, which might otherwise struggle to ripen at this latitude. However, rainfall in the spring and summer can be harmful to the flowering, fruit set and health of the grapes at harvest.
Mediterranean climate
Characterised by a low temperature difference between the hottest and coldest months but the summers tend to be warm and dry. These conditions are to be found throughout the Mediterranean, as well as much of coastal California, Chile, South Africa and South Eastern Australia. The extra warmth and sunlight, compared with maritime climates, leads to wines that are fuller bodied, with riper tannins, higher alcohol and lower levels of acidity. The lower rainfall can have a positive effect on the health of the grapes but can also lead to drought.
What is the mountain that runs the length of the Italian Peninsula?
Apennine Mountains
How can you divide the Tuscany Region?
- Mountainous Chianti in the North
- The hills and valleys to the south
- The flat coastal plain
What is the mountain in Alsace, that is key factor to make grapes?
Aaaaa
Which 2 regions have high stone/gravel content of soils, where the vineyard temperatures rises and consequently end up being the only 2 regions where Cabernet can reliably ripen?
Bas Medoc & Haut-Medoc
Explain the Saint-Emillion area.
Warm, well drained gravel and limestone soils encourage the inclusion of Carbenet Franc and, occasionally, some Carbernet Sauvignon.
Due to the challenging climate in Mosel, all the very best vineyards share similar characteristics. Explain what the climatic challenges in the Mosel.
Climate challenge: The climate challenge in the Mosel is cool and there is a risk of frost and in extreme case winter freeze. This means that it can be a struggle to ripen grapes and that crops and the vine itself can be severely damaged in the winter/spring.
Identify and explain how three vineyard characteristics help to overcome the challenges Mosel has.
Vineyard characteristic 1: The vineyards are all on steep slopes that have a south facing aspect. This maximizes the exposure of the grapes to both heat and light which means that these sites are better able to ripen fruit every year. These slopes can also reduce the risk of spring frost as cold air will sink past the vines to the lowest point.
Vineyard characteristic 2: The soil in the best vineyards have a high stone/slate content. These stones can store and radiate heat back into the vineyard and this added warmth can ensure the grapes ripen fully in a cool climate. This extra heat can also be important in helping to mitigate the risk of spring frosts.
Vineyard characteristic 3: The vineyards are located right by the river and this will reflect light back up into the vineyard. Light is key element needed to ripen grapes and this will help to increase the level of light in the vineyard. The thermal mass of water and flowing water can help to mitigate the effect of frost too.
