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WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > The Growing Environment - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

The Growing Environment - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

What are the five key things a vine needs to survive?

A

Heat, sunlight, water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide.

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2
Q

At what temperature does vine growth begin?

A

Above 10°C (50°F).

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3
Q

What is véraison?

A

The change of grape color during ripening.

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4
Q

Why is heat essential for vines?

A

It allows budburst, flowering, fruit set, and grape ripening.

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5
Q

Between which latitudes are most vineyards located?

A

30° and 50° north and south of the Equator.

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6
Q

How does altitude affect temperature in vineyards?

A

Higher altitudes have lower temperatures, allowing grape growth in warmer regions.

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7
Q

What is the role of ocean currents in viticulture?

A

They cool or warm regions, affecting grape-growing conditions.

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8
Q

Why is soil color important in vineyards?

A

Dark soils absorb and reradiate heat, aiding grape ripening in cool climates.

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9
Q

How does aspect influence a vineyard’s climate?

A

Slopes facing the Equator receive more heat and sunlight.

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10
Q

What is continentality?

A

The temperature difference between the hottest and coldest months.

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11
Q

What is diurnal range?

A

The temperature difference between day and night.

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12
Q

How can fog benefit vineyards?

A

It cools regions, helping produce high-quality grapes in warm climates.

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13
Q

What temperature can kill vines during winter?

A

Below -20°C (-4°F).

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14
Q

What is “earthing up” in viticulture?

A

Covering the vine’s graft with soil to protect it from winter freeze.

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15
Q

What are spring frosts, and how do they affect vines?

A

Freezing temperatures that can kill buds and shoots, reducing yields.

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16
Q

Name one method to protect vineyards from spring frost.

A

Heaters, wind machines, sprinklers, or planting on slopes.

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17
Q

What can delay budburst in spring?

A

Cold temperatures.

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18
Q

How can excessively high summer temperatures affect vines?

A

They can slow or stop vine activity, preventing proper grape ripening.

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19
Q

Why is sunlight critical for vines?

A

It drives photosynthesis, producing glucose for growth and grape ripening.

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20
Q

How does latitude affect sunlight in vineyards?

A

Day length increases further from the Equator, aiding grape ripening.

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21
Q

What are the effects of cloudy conditions during flowering?

A

Reduced flowering and fruit set, leading to smaller grape yields.

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22
Q

How can grape growers manage sunlight exposure?

A

By arranging the vine canopy for maximum sunlight or shade as needed.

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23
Q

What is transpiration in vines?

A

The process of water movement from roots to leaves, driven by evaporation.

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24
Q

What happens if a vine has too much water during ripening?

A

It continues growing leaves and shoots, reducing sugar for grapes.

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25
Q

What is drip irrigation?

A

A precise, advanced irrigation method using drippers for each vine.

26
Q

How do sprinklers help in vineyards?

A

They provide water and can protect against frost but increase disease risk.

27
Q

What is flood irrigation?

A

A method suitable for flat vineyards, flooding the area with water.

28
Q

What is water stress in vines?

A

A condition where photosynthesis stops, leaves wilt, and grapes fail to ripen.

29
Q

Why is mild water stress after véraison beneficial?

A

It promotes grape ripening and reduces excessive canopy growth.

30
Q

What is a common consequence of heavy rainfall before harvest?

A

Grapes swell excessively, diluting flavors and increasing disease risk.

31
Q

How does hail damage vineyards?

A

It can destroy grapes and vines, sometimes eliminating entire crops.

32
Q

What are three main climate types in viticulture?

A

Continental, maritime, and Mediterranean.

33
Q

What characterizes a continental climate?

A

High temperature variation, short summers, and risk of spring frost.

34
Q

What characterizes a maritime climate?

A

Low temperature variation and evenly spread rainfall.

35
Q

What characterizes a Mediterranean climate?

A

Warm, dry summers and low temperature variation.

36
Q

Why are Mediterranean climates ideal for winemaking?

A

They produce fuller-bodied wines with riper tannins and lower acidity.

37
Q

What is soil’s primary role in viticulture?

A

To supply water and nutrients to the vine.

38
Q

What is humus?

A

Decomposed organic matter in soil that retains water and nutrients.

39
Q

What is loam?

A

A soil mix of sand and clay with good drainage and water retention.

40
Q

What are the most important nutrients for vines?

A

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

41
Q

What happens if a vine lacks nutrients?

A

Leaves turn yellow (chlorosis), reducing photosynthesis and grape ripening.

42
Q

Why is drainage important in vineyard soils?

A

To prevent waterlogging, which can kill vine roots.

43
Q

How do sandy soils affect water retention?

A

They drain water quickly, requiring irrigation in some cases.

44
Q

What is the effect of clay-rich soils on vines?

A

They retain water but can become waterlogged if excessive.

45
Q

How does carbon dioxide affect vines?

A

It is used in photosynthesis to produce glucose for growth and ripening.

46
Q

Why are steep slopes advantageous in cool climates?

A

They receive more sunlight and warmth, aiding grape ripening.

47
Q

How can vineyards reduce hail damage?

A

By using protective netting or owning vineyards in different locations.

48
Q

How does proximity to water bodies affect diurnal range?

A

It reduces temperature differences between day and night.

49
Q

What is the role of fertilizer in vineyards?

A

To replenish nutrients depleted from the soil.

50
Q

How does cloud cover affect grape ripening?

A

It slows photosynthesis and can prevent grapes from ripening fully.

51
Q

What happens to vines in waterlogged soil?

A

Their roots can suffocate and die.

52
Q

How does heavy rainfall affect flowering?

A

It disrupts the process, reducing grape formation.

53
Q

What is the effect of warm nights on grapes?

A

They accelerate ripening but may reduce aromatic freshness.

54
Q

How can vine canopy management reduce sunburn?

A

By providing shade in extremely sunny regions.

55
Q

Why are regions like Mosel, Germany, suitable for viticulture?

A

Their steep slopes and favorable aspects maximize sunlight and warmth.

56
Q

How does cold air movement affect frost risk?

A

It settles in low-lying areas, increasing frost risk.

57
Q

Why are irrigation laws significant in vineyards?

A

They determine whether water can be supplemented in dry regions.

58
Q

What is the impact of drought on vines?

A

Photosynthesis stops, weakening the vine and halting grape ripening.

59
Q

What is the relationship between soil depth and vine health?

A

Deeper soils can provide more water and nutrients, supporting growth.

60
Q

How do high diurnal ranges benefit grape quality?

A

They preserve acidity and aromatic freshness in grapes.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (41 decks)

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