Vineyard Cycle Flashcards
Bud Burst - which months does bud burst occur?
Northern hemisphere - March - April
Southern Hemisphere - sept - Oct
Bud burst - key points
Occurs in spring and is the start of the growing season
Buds swell and burst into new shoots
Bud Burst - what temperature does it need to be for Bud Burst to happen?
Usually when the mean temp is above 10.C
It also depends on grape variety. Pinot noir and Sauvignon blanc early budding varieties and doesn’t mind cooler temps whereas Cabernet Sauvignon is a late budding variety and need warmer temps
Bud Burst - what negative factors affect bud burst?
Frost can kill buds at this stage and reduce yields especially in early budding varieties
Early Shoot and Leaf Growth - what time of year does this cycle occur?
Northern Hemisphere - March - May
Southern Hemisphere - Sept - Nov
Early Shoot and Leaf Growth - Key Factors
Shoots grow rapidly until the vine flowers
Early Shoot and Leaf growth - what fuels this stage?
Initially it is fuelled by carbs retained in roots from winter dormancy. Once leaves start to form then this is fuelled by photosynthesis
Early Shoot and Leaf Growth - what does the vine need in order for shoots and leaves to grow?
Good supply of water and sufficient nutrients as well as sunlight which can be achieved through tying shoots to trellis wire to keep the canopy open if practised
Flowering and Fruit Set - when does this occur?
Northern Hemisphere - May - June
Southern Hemisphere - Nov - Dec
Flowering and Fruit Set - what does the inflorescence need to start flowering?
It needs sunlight, warm temps and no rain otherwise pollination can be affected and fruit set affected
Flowering and Fruit Set - When does Fruit Set Occur?
When flowers start to develop in to grapes
Flowering and Fruit Set - what is coulure?
Not every flower turns into a grape unpollinated flowers drop off the vine if more flowers than normal do not turn to grapes this is coulure.
Flowering and Fruit Set - what is Millerandage?
This is when grapes can form without seeds and remain small. This reduces yields
Flowering and Fruit Set - What causes Millerandage?
Cold, cloudy or rain during pollination
Veraison - when does this occur?
Northern Hemisphere - July-Sept
Southern Hemisphere - Jan - March
Veraison - what colour are the grapes at this stage
Both black and white grapes are green at this stage and feel hard
Veraison - How long does Veraison last for?
6-8 weeks after fruit set and this is where grapes start to grow
Veraison - What happens during Veraison?
Grapes start to ripen
The skins start to change colour from black to red/purple and white to translucent/gold
Veraison - What 5 things happen between Veraison and Harvest?
Grapes swell and fill with water
Acidity levels drop
Grape sugar levels rise
Colour pigments and flavour compounds accumulate
Tannins develop
Veraison - What conditions does the vine need in order for Veraison to be successful?
Warm sunny weather as well as mild water stress to concentrate energy to the grapes to increase flavour
Veraison - what will summer pruning do to help the vine through this period?
Summer pruning will remove excess foliage to make sure the canopy remains open
Veraison - what can the grower do to to control yields?
He can green harvest to control yields which will also concentrate flavours
Harvest - when does this occur?
Northern hemisphere - Sept-Oct
Southern Hemisphere - March-April
Harvest - What conditions are ideal for the harvest period and why are these conditions important?
Dry - Excess rainfall can cause grapes to swell and dilute flavours
Damp conditions can also promote rot
Harvest - if practised when should spraying end?
It should end a long time before harvest so that chemicals are no longer in the grapes
Winter Dormancy - when does this occur?
Northern Hemisphere - Dec-March
Southern Hemisphere - June - Sept
Winter Dormancy - what happens to shoots during winter?
Shoots turn to wood and they are now called cane
Winter Dormancy - what other things occur at the start of this period?
Leaves fall and vines start store reserves as carbohydrates in the roots
Winter Dormancy - what can kill buds and vines in winter?
Extreme cold around -20.c can kill the vine and buds
Winter Dormancy - what can be done the combat extreme cold?
Earth may be piled up around the vine to provide some protection
Winter dormancy - what are the growers duties during winter?
Winter pruning - this is where the grower can control yields by deciding how many buds there will be next season
