The Growing Environment - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What are the five key things a vine needs to survive?
Heat, sunlight, water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide.
At what temperature does vine growth begin?
Above 10°C (50°F).
What is véraison?
The change of grape color during ripening.
Why is heat essential for vines?
It allows budburst, flowering, fruit set, and grape ripening.
Between which latitudes are most vineyards located?
30° and 50° north and south of the Equator.
How does altitude affect temperature in vineyards?
Higher altitudes have lower temperatures, allowing grape growth in warmer regions.
What is the role of ocean currents in viticulture?
They cool or warm regions, affecting grape-growing conditions.
Why is soil color important in vineyards?
Dark soils absorb and reradiate heat, aiding grape ripening in cool climates.
How does aspect influence a vineyard’s climate?
Slopes facing the Equator receive more heat and sunlight.
What is continentality?
The temperature difference between the hottest and coldest months.
What is diurnal range?
The temperature difference between day and night.
How can fog benefit vineyards?
It cools regions, helping produce high-quality grapes in warm climates.
What temperature can kill vines during winter?
Below -20°C (-4°F).
What is “earthing up” in viticulture?
Covering the vine’s graft with soil to protect it from winter freeze.
What are spring frosts, and how do they affect vines?
Freezing temperatures that can kill buds and shoots, reducing yields.
Name one method to protect vineyards from spring frost.
Heaters, wind machines, sprinklers, or planting on slopes.
What can delay budburst in spring?
Cold temperatures.
How can excessively high summer temperatures affect vines?
They can slow or stop vine activity, preventing proper grape ripening.
Why is sunlight critical for vines?
It drives photosynthesis, producing glucose for growth and grape ripening.
How does latitude affect sunlight in vineyards?
Day length increases further from the Equator, aiding grape ripening.
What are the effects of cloudy conditions during flowering?
Reduced flowering and fruit set, leading to smaller grape yields.
How can grape growers manage sunlight exposure?
By arranging the vine canopy for maximum sunlight or shade as needed.
What is transpiration in vines?
The process of water movement from roots to leaves, driven by evaporation.
What happens if a vine has too much water during ripening?
It continues growing leaves and shoots, reducing sugar for grapes.
What is drip irrigation?
A precise, advanced irrigation method using drippers for each vine.
How do sprinklers help in vineyards?
They provide water and can protect against frost but increase disease risk.
What is flood irrigation?
A method suitable for flat vineyards, flooding the area with water.
What is water stress in vines?
A condition where photosynthesis stops, leaves wilt, and grapes fail to ripen.
Why is mild water stress after véraison beneficial?
It promotes grape ripening and reduces excessive canopy growth.
What is a common consequence of heavy rainfall before harvest?
Grapes swell excessively, diluting flavors and increasing disease risk.
How does hail damage vineyards?
It can destroy grapes and vines, sometimes eliminating entire crops.
What are three main climate types in viticulture?
Continental, maritime, and Mediterranean.
What characterizes a continental climate?
High temperature variation, short summers, and risk of spring frost.
What characterizes a maritime climate?
Low temperature variation and evenly spread rainfall.
What characterizes a Mediterranean climate?
Warm, dry summers and low temperature variation.
Why are Mediterranean climates ideal for winemaking?
They produce fuller-bodied wines with riper tannins and lower acidity.
What is soil’s primary role in viticulture?
To supply water and nutrients to the vine.
What is humus?
Decomposed organic matter in soil that retains water and nutrients.
What is loam?
A soil mix of sand and clay with good drainage and water retention.
What are the most important nutrients for vines?
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
What happens if a vine lacks nutrients?
Leaves turn yellow (chlorosis), reducing photosynthesis and grape ripening.
Why is drainage important in vineyard soils?
To prevent waterlogging, which can kill vine roots.
How do sandy soils affect water retention?
They drain water quickly, requiring irrigation in some cases.
What is the effect of clay-rich soils on vines?
They retain water but can become waterlogged if excessive.
How does carbon dioxide affect vines?
It is used in photosynthesis to produce glucose for growth and ripening.
Why are steep slopes advantageous in cool climates?
They receive more sunlight and warmth, aiding grape ripening.
How can vineyards reduce hail damage?
By using protective netting or owning vineyards in different locations.
How does proximity to water bodies affect diurnal range?
It reduces temperature differences between day and night.
What is the role of fertilizer in vineyards?
To replenish nutrients depleted from the soil.
How does cloud cover affect grape ripening?
It slows photosynthesis and can prevent grapes from ripening fully.
What happens to vines in waterlogged soil?
Their roots can suffocate and die.
How does heavy rainfall affect flowering?
It disrupts the process, reducing grape formation.
What is the effect of warm nights on grapes?
They accelerate ripening but may reduce aromatic freshness.
How can vine canopy management reduce sunburn?
By providing shade in extremely sunny regions.
Why are regions like Mosel, Germany, suitable for viticulture?
Their steep slopes and favorable aspects maximize sunlight and warmth.
How does cold air movement affect frost risk?
It settles in low-lying areas, increasing frost risk.
Why are irrigation laws significant in vineyards?
They determine whether water can be supplemented in dry regions.
What is the impact of drought on vines?
Photosynthesis stops, weakening the vine and halting grape ripening.
What is the relationship between soil depth and vine health?
Deeper soils can provide more water and nutrients, supporting growth.
How do high diurnal ranges benefit grape quality?
They preserve acidity and aromatic freshness in grapes.
