Vineyard Management - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What are the main considerations when selecting a vineyard site?
Environmental conditions, business considerations, and grape variety suitability.
Why is soil drainage important in vineyard site selection?
Poor drainage can lead to waterlogging, while well-drained soils support healthy vine growth.
What is the typical first yield from a newly planted vineyard?
The third year after planting.
At what age are most vines replaced?
Between 30 and 50 years old.
Why are old vines valued?
They often produce fruit with greater flavor concentration but lower yields.
What does “fallow land” mean in vineyard management?
Land left unplanted to recover before replanting.
What are the two types of vine training?
Head training and cordon training.
What is the purpose of vine pruning?
To shape the vine, limit its size, and control the number and location of buds.
What are the two main styles of winter pruning?
Spur pruning and replacement cane pruning.
What is spur pruning?
Cutting one-year-old wood into short sections with 2–3 buds.
What is replacement cane pruning?
Retaining 1–2 long canes with 8–20 buds, often used in Guyot training.
What is summer pruning?
Trimming the canopy to focus sugar production on grapes and improve sunlight exposure.
What is the vine canopy?
All the green parts of the vine, including leaves and shoots.
What is the purpose of trellising?
To support vines, improve sunlight exposure, enhance air circulation, and aid mechanization.
What is Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP)?
A trellis system that trains shoots vertically, keeping the canopy open and well-aerated.
Why are untrellised vines common in hot regions?
They provide natural shade, reducing the risk of sunburn.
What are the benefits of high planting density?
Encourages root competition, reducing vegetative growth and promoting fruit quality.
What factors determine planting density?
Soil fertility, water availability, and vineyard management goals.
What is green harvesting?
Removing immature grapes shortly after véraison to control yield and improve quality.
Why is green harvesting risky?
If done too early, the vine may compensate by enlarging the remaining grapes, diluting flavors.
What is yield in viticulture?
The amount of grapes produced, measured by weight or volume per hectare.
What is the primary goal of canopy management?
To optimize sunlight exposure, air circulation, and fruit quality.
What are nematodes?
Microscopic worms that attack vine roots and can transmit viruses.
How can nematodes be controlled?
By sanitizing soil before planting and using resistant rootstocks.
What are common pests in vineyards?
Birds, mammals, insects, and nematodes.
How can birds be managed in vineyards?
Using netting to protect grapes.
What is powdery mildew?
A fungal disease affecting vines in warm, humid conditions, treated with fungicides.
What is grey rot, and when is it beneficial?
A fungal disease caused by Botrytis cinerea; beneficial as noble rot for sweet wines.
How can fungal diseases be prevented?
Using fungicides, open canopies, and good air circulation.
What are vineyard viruses?
Infections that reduce vine yield and quality, spread via cuttings or nematodes.
How are bacterial vine diseases spread?
By sharpshooters, small insects.
What is sustainable agriculture in viticulture?
A system that minimizes chemical use by understanding pest lifecycles and timing treatments.