The Growing Environment - WSET L3 in Wines

Question 1

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

Answer 1

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

Question 2

At what temperature does vine growth begin?

Answer 2

Above 10°C (50°F).

Question 3

What is véraison?

Answer 3

The change of grape color during ripening.

Question 4

Why is heat essential for vines?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Between which latitudes are most vineyards located?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

How does altitude affect temperature in vineyards?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is the role of ocean currents in viticulture?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Why is soil color important in vineyards?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

How does aspect influence a vineyard’s climate?

Answer 9

Slopes facing the Equator receive more heat and sunlight.

Question 10

What is continentality?

Answer 10

The temperature difference between the hottest and coldest months.

Question 11

What is diurnal range?

Answer 11

The temperature difference between day and night.

Question 12

How can fog benefit vineyards?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What temperature can kill vines during winter?

Answer 13

Below -20°C (-4°F).

Question 14

What is “earthing up” in viticulture?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

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

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Name one method to protect vineyards from spring frost.

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What can delay budburst in spring?

Answer 17

Cold temperatures.

Question 18

How can excessively high summer temperatures affect vines?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Why is sunlight critical for vines?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

How does latitude affect sunlight in vineyards?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What are the effects of cloudy conditions during flowering?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

How can grape growers manage sunlight exposure?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

What is transpiration in vines?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

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

Answer 24

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

Question 25

What is drip irrigation?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

How do sprinklers help in vineyards?

Answer 26

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

Question 27

What is flood irrigation?

Answer 27

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

Question 28

What is water stress in vines?

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Why is mild water stress after véraison beneficial?

Answer 29

It promotes grape ripening and reduces excessive canopy growth.

Question 30

What is a common consequence of heavy rainfall before harvest?

Answer 30

Grapes swell excessively, diluting flavors and increasing disease risk.

Question 31

How does hail damage vineyards?

Answer 31

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

Question 32

What are three main climate types in viticulture?

Answer 32

Continental, maritime, and Mediterranean.

Question 33

What characterizes a continental climate?

Answer 33

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

Question 34

What characterizes a maritime climate?

Answer 34

Low temperature variation and evenly spread rainfall.

Question 35

What characterizes a Mediterranean climate?

Answer 35

Warm, dry summers and low temperature variation.

Question 36

Why are Mediterranean climates ideal for winemaking?

Answer 36

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

Question 37

What is soil's primary role in viticulture?

Answer 37

To supply water and nutrients to the vine.

Question 38

What is humus?

Answer 38

Decomposed organic matter in soil that retains water and nutrients.

Question 39

What is loam?

Answer 39

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

Question 40

What are the most important nutrients for vines?

Answer 40

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Question 41

What happens if a vine lacks nutrients?

Answer 41

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

Question 42

Why is drainage important in vineyard soils?

Answer 42

To prevent waterlogging, which can kill vine roots.

Question 43

How do sandy soils affect water retention?

Answer 43

They drain water quickly, requiring irrigation in some cases.

Question 44

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

Answer 44

They retain water but can become waterlogged if excessive.

Question 45

How does carbon dioxide affect vines?

Answer 45

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

Question 46

Why are steep slopes advantageous in cool climates?

Answer 46

They receive more sunlight and warmth, aiding grape ripening.

Question 47

How can vineyards reduce hail damage?

Answer 47

By using protective netting or owning vineyards in different locations.

Question 48

How does proximity to water bodies affect diurnal range?

Answer 48

It reduces temperature differences between day and night.

Question 49

What is the role of fertilizer in vineyards?

Answer 49

To replenish nutrients depleted from the soil.

Question 50

How does cloud cover affect grape ripening?

Answer 50

It slows photosynthesis and can prevent grapes from ripening fully.

Question 51

What happens to vines in waterlogged soil?

Answer 51

Their roots can suffocate and die.

Question 52

How does heavy rainfall affect flowering?

Answer 52

It disrupts the process, reducing grape formation.

Question 53

What is the effect of warm nights on grapes?

Answer 53

They accelerate ripening but may reduce aromatic freshness.

Question 54

How can vine canopy management reduce sunburn?

Answer 54

By providing shade in extremely sunny regions.

Question 55

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

Answer 55

Their steep slopes and favorable aspects maximize sunlight and warmth.

Question 56

How does cold air movement affect frost risk?

Answer 56

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

Question 57

Why are irrigation laws significant in vineyards?

Answer 57

They determine whether water can be supplemented in dry regions.

Question 58

What is the impact of drought on vines?

Answer 58

Photosynthesis stops, weakening the vine and halting grape ripening.

Question 59

What is the relationship between soil depth and vine health?

Answer 59

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

Question 60

How do high diurnal ranges benefit grape quality?

Answer 60

They preserve acidity and aromatic freshness in grapes.