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WSET D1 > The Growing Environment - Temperature and Sunlight > Flashcards

The Growing Environment - Temperature and Sunlight Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the 4 key resources of the growing environment?

A
  1. Sunlight
  2. Warmth
  3. Water
  4. Nutrients
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2
Q

What is the main source of both heat and sunlight?

A

Solar Radiation

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3
Q

Name 6 positive effects that sunshine exposure has on grapes.

A
  1. Enhances the development of anthocyanins (colour pigments) in black grapes
  2. Reduces methoxypyrazines
  3. Promotes accumulation of tannins pre-véraison
  4. Promotes tannins polymerisation after véraison (less bitterness)
  5. Promotes favourable aroma precursors and aroma compounds
  6. Increases the rate at which malic acid is used up in grape respiration (lower acidity levels)
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4
Q

Name a weather condition that can slow photosynthesis (other than lack of sun or water stress).

A

Fog

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5
Q

Name 6 positive effects that sunshine exposure has on grapes.

A
  1. Enhances the development of anthocyanins (colour pigments) in black grapes
  2. Reduces methoxypyrazines
  3. Promotes accumulation of tannins pre-véraison
  4. Promotes tannins polymerisation after véraison (less bitterness)
  5. Promotes favourable aroma precursors and aroma compounds
  6. Increases the rate at which malic acid is used up in grape respiration (lower acidity levels)
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6
Q

What negative effects does sunshine exposure have on grapes?

A
  • Can lead to sunburn on sun-exposed grapes, which has a negative effect on grape quality and yields
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7
Q

Name 2 reasons sunshine in late spring / early summer is beneficial.

A
  1. Associated with successful fruit set
  2. The exposure of compound buds to sunshine promotes bud fruitfulness in next year’s growing season
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8
Q

Which will receive MORE solar radiation per annum: regions at lower latitudes (nearer the Equator) OR regions at higher latitudes (nearer the Poles)?

A

Regions at lower latitudes (nearer the Equator)

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9
Q

Why do regions nearer to the Equator receive more intense solar radiation than those nearer the poles?

A
  • Solar radiation is adsorbed and scattered as it travels through the Earth’s atmosphere, decreasing its intensity.
  • The curvature of the Earth means that nearer the poles solar radiation must travel through a larger section of atmosphere to reach the Earth’s surface.
  • Radiation hits the Earth at a low angle near the poles (due to curvature), so the radiation is spread over a larger area
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10
Q

How does latitude effect hours of daylight?

A
  • Low latitude regions receive similar daylight hours (and hence heat and sunlight) throughout all seasons of the year.
  • High latitude regions have longer daylight hours in the summer and shorter daylight hours in the winter.
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11
Q

What is the target latitude range for grapes for wine production?

A

Between 30° and 50° latitude on each side of the Equator

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12
Q

What issues would regions closer than 30° to the equator run into?

A
  • Too hot during the day
  • Water stress
  • Sunburn
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13
Q

What issues would regions farther than 50° to the equator run into?

A
  • Simply not warm enough during the growing season (despite long daylight hours) for enough sugar to accumulate in the grapes
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14
Q

Give an example of a low latitude region whose altitude allows it to be successful in grape growing.

A
  • Salta Province in Argentina (3000 m above sea level)
  • Yunnan Province, China
  • Tarija, Bolivia. With vineyards at 1,850m, this is one of the highest altitude wine regions in the world
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15
Q

Is sunshine is more intense at high altitudes or low altitudes? Why?

A
  • High altitudes
  • Because the solar radiation travels through less atmosphere before it reaches these sites
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16
Q

Name 7 natural factors that effect temperature and sunlight.

A
  1. Latitude
  2. Altitude
  3. Slopes/Aspect
  4. Proximity to Water
  5. Winds
  6. Characteristics of the soil
  7. Fogs, Mists, Clouds
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17
Q

What is aspect?

A

The direction a particular slope faces

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18
Q

Vineyards at what aspect receive the most solar radiation?

A
  • Vineyards that face the sun throughout most of the day (south-facing in the northern hemisphere) (north-facing in the southern hemisphere)
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19
Q

Is the aspect and the steepness of the slope more important at higher or lower latitudes?

A
  • Higher
  • Slope increases the angle (nearer to perpendicular) at which the solar radiation hits the Earth, increasing intensity of heat and light
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20
Q

Name some cool climate regions where slope is crucial.

A
  • Burgundy Gran Cru and Alsace Grand Cru (south-east facing slopes)
  • Piedmont, Barolo (Sorí)
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21
Q

How might one limit the amount of heat and light in warm climates?

A

Planting on slopes that face away from the sun throughout most of the day.

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22
Q

Name 1 warm climate region where slope is crucial.

A

Stellenbosch (south-facing slopes to retain acidity)

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23
Q

What are the benefits of east-facing slopes?

A
  • Morning sunshine heats up the atmosphere when air and soil temperatures are at their lowest.
  • Extends the hours of vine growth and grape ripening each day, especially in cool climates
  • The grape canopy (dew-y in the morning) dries out earlier, reducing the spread of fungal disease
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24
Q

What is problematic about west-facing slopes?

A
  • Afternoon sun
  • May become too hot, especially in warm climates
  • Increases risk of sunburnt grapes
  • Mitigate: in areas with coasts to the west, e.g. California and Western Australia, cool afternoon sea breezes
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25
Q

Aside from proximity to sunlight, what 4 other benefits can slopes provide?

A
  1. Shallower, poorer soils
  2. Better drainage
  3. Shelter from winds and rains
  4. Protection from frost
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26
Q

What are some of the problems with slopes?

A
  • Soil erosion
  • Inability to use machinery on steep slopes
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27
Q

How can a large body of water impact nearby vineyards during the day?

A

During the day, the water and the air above a body of water remains relatively cool, and lowers the average temperature in the local area.

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28
Q

How can a large body of water impact nearby vineyards overnight?

A

The water retains the warmth gained during the day, whereas, without solar radiation, the land loses heat relatively quickly. The warmth of the body of water keeps the local area warmer.

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29
Q

Why is sugar accumulation in the grapes generally faster at warm temperatures?

A
  • Warm Temperatures mean optimum rates of photosynthesis producing sugars
  • Increased grape transpiration promotes the movement of sugar into the grape
30
Q

What temperatures can lead to a rapid loss of acidity in the final month of ripening?

A

Mean temperatures above 21°C (70°F)

31
Q

What temperatures can reduce acid loss to a point that acidity levels in the must are too high?

A

Mean temperatures below 15°C (59°F)

32
Q

Generally, what aroma/flavours are associated with grapes grown in warmer climates? Cooler climates?

A
  • Warmer Climates: riper aroma/flavours
  • Cooler Climates: hinder the breakdown of methoxypyrazines, which can give herbaceous aromas.
33
Q

In black grapes, anthocyanin synthesis (and therefore the development of colour) is optimum at what temperature range?

A

15-25°C (59-77°F)

34
Q

What can happen to the vine during extreme heat (especially when paired with dry conditions)? Why?

A
  • Photosynthesis can slow or stop
  • Slows vine growth and grape ripening

Why: The enzymes that catalyse photosynthesis are heat-sensitive

35
Q

What is diurnal range?

A

The average difference between day and night temperatures

36
Q

How does altitude affect diurnal range? Why?

A

Ground absorbs energy from solar radiation during the day, releases energy into the atmosphere during the night

  • Lower altitudes = the air in the atmosphere (particularly the water vapour) absorbs some of this energy, meaning some heat is retained at night.
  • High altitudes = Higher diurnal range: air is thinner and holds less moisture and therefore heat rapidly escapes, leading to relatively cool night-time temperatures
37
Q

How can a large body of water impact nearby vineyards during the day

A

During the day, the water and the air above a body of water remains relatively cool, and lowers the average temperature in the local area.

38
Q

Name a cool climate region that significantly benefits from large bodies of water. Describe why.

A
  • Finger Lakes in New York - Close proximity to the lakes reduces the severity of winter freeze
  • The movement of air also helps to protect against spring frosts that could reduce yields
39
Q

Name a warm climate region that significantly benefits from large bodies of water. Describe why.

A
  • Carneros, California, proximity to the San Pablo Bay
  • Early-ripening grape varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can be grown here (for still and sparkling wine), benefitting from cooling breezes
40
Q

Name a warming ocean current and a region that it affects.

A
  • Gulf Stream (flows from the Gulf of Mexico) : warms Margaux in Bordeaux

Even though Bordeaux and Willamette Valley (Oregon) are at the same Latitude (45 degree), Bordeaux is warmed up by the Gulf Stream while Willamette Valley is cooled down by the California current. This allows the succesfull growth of Cabernet in Bordeaux and Pinot Noir in Willamette.

41
Q

Name a cooling ocean current and a region that it affects.

A
  • California current: cools Willamette Valley in Oregon
  • Benguela current: cools down Walker Bay in south Africa
42
Q

Name two ways cool climate vineyards benefit from close proximity to large bodies of water.

A
  1. Water retains the warmth gained during the day, keeps surrounding area warmer
  2. Radiation reflected from the water surface can help where there is not enough sunshine (Example: Mosel, reflection from the River)
43
Q

What is El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)? Name its 2 opposite phases.

A
  • A climatic cycle in the Pacific Ocean that has a significant effect on weather patterns.
  • It has two opposite phases, El Niño and La Niña
44
Q

How does El Niño start? What does it bring?

A
  • El Niño starts when warm water in the western Pacific Ocean moves eastwards along the Equator towards the Caribbean.

Brings:
- High levels of rainfall and risk of hurricanes in South America and California.

  • Warmer than average temperatures and drier conditions in the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon).
  • Warmer temperatures and drought conditions in Australia
45
Q

How frequently does El Niño occur?

A
  • Once every 3-7 years, with extreme El Niño events being rarer.
  • More frequent as a part of climate change.
46
Q

What starts La Niña? What does it bring?

A
  • La Niña is caused when the eastern Pacific Ocean is cooler than average.

Brings:
- Cooler, wetter conditions in the Pacific Northwest AND Australia

  • Warmer, drier conditions in California and South America.
47
Q

Can winds have a cooling or warming influence, or both?

A

BOTH

48
Q

How can valleys enhance the effects of wind? Give an example.

A
  • Valleys that face the coast or other areas of low land (e.g. the Petaluma Gap in California) can mean that winds are felt even relatively far inland.
  • Valleys can also lead to stronger winds as the moving air is funnelled
49
Q

What effect would winds that have travelled over hot land masses have on a vineyard? Give an example.

A
  • These winds can bring warm air that heats the vineyard area
  • The Zonda (Foehn wind) in Mendoza or the Poniente in Southern Spain

Foehn wind: warm, dry, and downslope winds that occur on the lee side of mountain ranges.

50
Q

What effect do winds and breezes have on the development of fungal diseases?

A
  • Reduce the occurrence of humid, stagnant air in the vine canopy that encourages the development of fungal diseases
51
Q

What are some possible downfalls to wind?

A
  • Increase evapotranspiration rates in the vine (vine needs more water, can lead to water stress)
  • Damage to wines and trellising (lower yields and higher equipment and labour costs)
52
Q

How can a wine grower protect against wind damage? What are the cons of each method?

A
  • Rows of trees can be planted at the edges of vineyards to act as windbreaks; however, care must be taken as they can compete with the nearest vines for water and nutrients.
  • Fences can also be used, but are less aesthetic and require maintenance.
53
Q

What types of soils warm up more quickly in the Spring?

A

Soils that drain freely, for example sandy or stony soils

54
Q

Why is a rising soil temperature beneficial during the springtime?

A
  • Encourages the breakdown of starch in the roots, which stimulates budburst and shoot growth
  • Encourages root growth, which means the vine can absorb more water and nutrients.
55
Q

What effects do light-coloured soils have on the vines?

A
  • Light-coloured soils reflect some energy from solar radiation.
  • Extra light energy into the lower parts of the canopy that may receive less sunlight from above can be beneficial to increase photosynthesis and grape ripening in cool and cloudy climates or where late-ripening grapes are used
56
Q

In what climates might light-coloured soils be beneficial? Harmful?

A
  • Beneficial: Cool/Cloudy climates (extra light energy)
  • Harmful: Warm (further increase warm temps)
57
Q

Name an area with a light-coloured soil.

A

Rich in chalk (e.g. as found in Sancerre, Champagne and Jerez )

Jerez = Albariza soils

58
Q

Name an area with a dark-coloured soil.

A

From volcanic origin (e.g. as found in Etna)

59
Q

In what climates might dark-coloured soils be beneficial?

A
  • Beneficial: Cool climates (extra development during the night)
60
Q

What is the benefit of stony soils?

A
  • Stony soils, especially if the underlying soil is slightly damp, are very effective at absorbing heat and releasing it at night.
  • Stone and water are good conductors compared to air.
61
Q

How does mist form?

A
  • Mists are formed by tiny drops of water collecting in the air just above an area of ground or water.
  • They are usually formed when warm air is rapidly cooled, causing water vapour in the air to condense.
62
Q

What is fog?

A

Dense mist

63
Q

When is the most common time of day for mist to form?

A

Morning

64
Q

Name four regions where morning mist is common.

A
  1. Sonoma
  2. Napa
  3. Leyda Valley
  4. Sauternes
65
Q

What effects do mist and fog have on the vine?

A
  • Limit sunlight (reduce photosynthesis)
  • Lower temperatures
  • Slow sugar accumulation
  • Slow acid degradation
  • Increase humidity (fungal diseases)
  • Increase noble rot
66
Q

In what climactic condition can mist and fog be beneficial? For what types of grape varieties?

A
  • Warmer regions
  • Early ripening grape varieties
67
Q

Which climate type has a higher diurnal range? What altitudes have a higher diurnal range?

A
  • Continental Climates
  • Higher altitudes
68
Q

What types of regions have a lower diurnal range?

A
  • Close proximity to a body of water
  • Lower altitudes
69
Q

In what climates is a large diurnal range thought to be beneficial? Name two regions.

A
  • Warm/Hot climates
  • Cooler nights can slow the respiration of malic acid and be beneficial for the formation of anthocyanins (e.g. Mendoza, Ribera del Duero)
70
Q

What effect do night-time temperatures have on methoxypyrozines? On rotundone?

A
  • Warmer night temperatures = greater breakdown of methoxypyrazines (important in cool climates)
  • Cooler night temperatures = greater retention of some other compounds, such as rotundone

Rotundone = Chemical compound that imparts a peppery aroma (typical of Syrah)

WSET D1 (25 decks)

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