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

The Vine - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

What is the most important vine species for winemaking?

A

Vitis vinifera, the main Eurasian species.

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2
Q

Why are American vines rarely used for winemaking?

A

They produce wines with unattractive flavors but are used for rootstocks due to their resistance to Phylloxera.

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3
Q

How is a grape variety propagated?

A

Through cuttings or layering to preserve the unique qualities of the variety.

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4
Q

What is a cutting in grape propagation?

A

A section of a vine shoot planted to grow a new plant, widely used in commercial nurseries.

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5
Q

What is layering in grape propagation?

A

Burying a cane in the ground until it develops roots, then cutting it from the parent plant.

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6
Q

Why is layering less common today?

A

Due to the risk of Phylloxera.

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7
Q

What are clones in viticulture?

A

Genetically identical vines with slight variations due to mutations, selected for specific traits.

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8
Q

How are new grape varieties created?

A

Through cross-fertilization, transferring pollen from one vine’s flower to another.

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9
Q

What is a crossing in viticulture?

A

A new grape variety created from two parents of the same species, e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon.

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10
Q

What is a hybrid in viticulture?

A

A vine created from two different vine species, often involving American vines.

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11
Q

What is the purpose of hybrids in modern grape growing?

A

Primarily used as rootstocks for their resistance to pests like Phylloxera.

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12
Q

What is Phylloxera?

A

A pest native to North America that feeds on vine roots, causing infections and vine death.

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13
Q

How do American vines resist Phylloxera?

A

By clogging the pest’s mouth with sticky sap and forming protective layers at feeding wounds.

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14
Q

How is Phylloxera controlled?

A

By grafting Vitis vinifera vines onto resistant American rootstocks.

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15
Q

What are rootstocks?

A

Root systems of vines bred for pest resistance and adaptability to different soils and climates.

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16
Q

What is bench grafting?

A

A modern technique where Vitis vinifera and rootstock canes are joined and fused in a warm environment.

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17
Q

What is head grafting?

A

Grafting a new variety onto the trunk of an existing vine to quickly switch grape varieties.

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18
Q

What is the primary function of vine roots?

A

Absorb water and nutrients, anchor the vine, and store carbohydrates for winter survival.

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19
Q

What are the green parts of the vine?

A

Shoots, leaves, buds, tendrils, flowers, and berries.

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20
Q

What role do leaves play in the vine?

A

Photosynthesis, converting sunlight into glucose for vine growth and grape sweetness.

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21
Q

What are tendrils used for?

A

To grip supporting structures, keeping the vine upright.

22
Q

What are inflorescences?

A

Bunches of flowers on a vine that develop into grape clusters after pollination.

23
Q

What is one-year-old wood?

A

Shoots that become woody during winter and produce fruiting shoots the next season.

24
Q

What is permanent wood?

A

Wood that is more than one year old, including the trunk and arms of the vine.

25
Q

What are the main sections of a vine?

A

Green parts, one-year-old wood, permanent wood, and roots.

26
Q

What is clonal selection?

A

Selecting vines with beneficial mutations to propagate new plants with desirable traits.

27
Q

What are examples of grape variety mutations?

A

Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, both mutations of Pinot Noir.

28
Q

Why are crossings significant?

A

They can combine desirable traits, like Riesling x Madeleine Royale creating Müller-Thurgau.

29
Q

What is the significance of Vidal?

A

A hybrid used in Canada, notable for its role in ice wine production.

30
Q

What is the main challenge of creating new grape varieties?

A

It is costly, time-consuming, and requires years to evaluate a variety’s long-term value.

31
Q

What role does grafting play in viticulture?

A

Protects vines from pests like Phylloxera while maintaining desired grape variety traits.

32
Q

What are nematodes?

A

Soil pests that can damage vine roots, controlled with specific rootstocks.

33
Q

How do vines survive winter?

A

By storing carbohydrates in their roots.

34
Q

What determines the fruiting capacity of a vine?

A

Shoots that grow from buds developed on one-year-old wood.

35
Q

What is the purpose of pruning?

A

To manage the amount of permanent wood and ensure healthy fruit production.

36
Q

What is the function of glucose in vines?

A

Supports vine growth and contributes to grape sweetness.

37
Q

What is the purpose of flowers on a vine?

A

Reproduction; pollinated flowers develop into berries.

38
Q

What are the benefits of head grafting?

A

Allows quick adjustment to market demands and uses established root systems.

39
Q

What are spurs in vine pruning?

A

Short one-year-old wood with 2–3 buds.

40
Q

What are canes in vine pruning?

A

Long one-year-old wood with 8–20 buds.

41
Q

Why is genetic diversity important in viticulture?

A

It enhances disease resistance and adaptability to different environments.

42
Q

How do vines adapt to different climates?

A

Through selective breeding and use of specific rootstocks.

43
Q

What is the lifespan of a newly planted vine before fruiting?

A

A minimum of three years to produce a commercial crop.

44
Q

Why are hybrids not widely used for winemaking?

A

Their flavors are often unattractive, though they have specific uses like rootstocks.

45
Q

How does Phylloxera spread?

A

Through soil and plant material, requiring strict quarantine measures to prevent infestation.

46
Q

Why is soil health important for vines?

A

It provides nutrients and supports root growth, crucial for vine vitality.

47
Q

What is the purpose of permanent wood?

A

Supports the vine’s structure and facilitates sap flow.

48
Q

What does “bench grafting” ensure?

A

A secure fusion of rootstock and Vitis vinifera sections for planting.

49
Q

What regions are free from Phylloxera?

A

Chile, some parts of Argentina, and South Australia.

50
Q

How are vines propagated in commercial nurseries?

A

Primarily through cuttings for consistent quality and disease resistance.

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

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