The Vine - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What is the most important vine species for winemaking?
Vitis vinifera, the main Eurasian species.
Why are American vines rarely used for winemaking?
They produce wines with unattractive flavors but are used for rootstocks due to their resistance to Phylloxera.
How is a grape variety propagated?
Through cuttings or layering to preserve the unique qualities of the variety.
What is a cutting in grape propagation?
A section of a vine shoot planted to grow a new plant, widely used in commercial nurseries.
What is layering in grape propagation?
Burying a cane in the ground until it develops roots, then cutting it from the parent plant.
Why is layering less common today?
Due to the risk of Phylloxera.
What are clones in viticulture?
Genetically identical vines with slight variations due to mutations, selected for specific traits.
How are new grape varieties created?
Through cross-fertilization, transferring pollen from one vine’s flower to another.
What is a crossing in viticulture?
A new grape variety created from two parents of the same species, e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is a hybrid in viticulture?
A vine created from two different vine species, often involving American vines.
What is the purpose of hybrids in modern grape growing?
Primarily used as rootstocks for their resistance to pests like Phylloxera.
What is Phylloxera?
A pest native to North America that feeds on vine roots, causing infections and vine death.
How do American vines resist Phylloxera?
By clogging the pest’s mouth with sticky sap and forming protective layers at feeding wounds.
How is Phylloxera controlled?
By grafting Vitis vinifera vines onto resistant American rootstocks.
What are rootstocks?
Root systems of vines bred for pest resistance and adaptability to different soils and climates.
What is bench grafting?
A modern technique where Vitis vinifera and rootstock canes are joined and fused in a warm environment.
What is head grafting?
Grafting a new variety onto the trunk of an existing vine to quickly switch grape varieties.
What is the primary function of vine roots?
Absorb water and nutrients, anchor the vine, and store carbohydrates for winter survival.
What are the green parts of the vine?
Shoots, leaves, buds, tendrils, flowers, and berries.
What role do leaves play in the vine?
Photosynthesis, converting sunlight into glucose for vine growth and grape sweetness.
What are tendrils used for?
To grip supporting structures, keeping the vine upright.
What are inflorescences?
Bunches of flowers on a vine that develop into grape clusters after pollination.
What is one-year-old wood?
Shoots that become woody during winter and produce fruiting shoots the next season.
What is permanent wood?
Wood that is more than one year old, including the trunk and arms of the vine.
What are the main sections of a vine?
Green parts, one-year-old wood, permanent wood, and roots.
What is clonal selection?
Selecting vines with beneficial mutations to propagate new plants with desirable traits.
What are examples of grape variety mutations?
Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, both mutations of Pinot Noir.
Why are crossings significant?
They can combine desirable traits, like Riesling x Madeleine Royale creating Müller-Thurgau.
What is the significance of Vidal?
A hybrid used in Canada, notable for its role in ice wine production.
What is the main challenge of creating new grape varieties?
It is costly, time-consuming, and requires years to evaluate a variety’s long-term value.
What role does grafting play in viticulture?
Protects vines from pests like Phylloxera while maintaining desired grape variety traits.
What are nematodes?
Soil pests that can damage vine roots, controlled with specific rootstocks.
How do vines survive winter?
By storing carbohydrates in their roots.
What determines the fruiting capacity of a vine?
Shoots that grow from buds developed on one-year-old wood.
What is the purpose of pruning?
To manage the amount of permanent wood and ensure healthy fruit production.
What is the function of glucose in vines?
Supports vine growth and contributes to grape sweetness.
What is the purpose of flowers on a vine?
Reproduction; pollinated flowers develop into berries.
What are the benefits of head grafting?
Allows quick adjustment to market demands and uses established root systems.
What are spurs in vine pruning?
Short one-year-old wood with 2–3 buds.
What are canes in vine pruning?
Long one-year-old wood with 8–20 buds.
Why is genetic diversity important in viticulture?
It enhances disease resistance and adaptability to different environments.
How do vines adapt to different climates?
Through selective breeding and use of specific rootstocks.
What is the lifespan of a newly planted vine before fruiting?
A minimum of three years to produce a commercial crop.
Why are hybrids not widely used for winemaking?
Their flavors are often unattractive, though they have specific uses like rootstocks.
How does Phylloxera spread?
Through soil and plant material, requiring strict quarantine measures to prevent infestation.
Why is soil health important for vines?
It provides nutrients and supports root growth, crucial for vine vitality.
What is the purpose of permanent wood?
Supports the vine’s structure and facilitates sap flow.
What does “bench grafting” ensure?
A secure fusion of rootstock and Vitis vinifera sections for planting.
What regions are free from Phylloxera?
Chile, some parts of Argentina, and South Australia.
How are vines propagated in commercial nurseries?
Primarily through cuttings for consistent quality and disease resistance.
