VIni & Viti Flashcards
What is Malolactic Fermentation?
Secondary fermentation that converts the malic acid into softer dairy like lactic acid.
What is a clone?
A vine with genetic variation that is specifically selected for a particular characteristic.
I.e.:Drought & Disease resistance. Specific fruit character
What is an organic wine?
A wine made from grapes grown without any use of synthetic pesticides or additives and made without the addition of sulfites although naturally occurring will still be present.
Who developed the agricultural philosophies that Biodynamic farming is based on?
Rudolph Steiner (1924)
What are sustainable practices in wine cultivation?
Water conservation, renewable resources & habitat development.
* Practices that are ecologically sound, economically and socially responsible.
What is the combination of two vines of the same species?
Crossing
What is the combination of two vines from two differing species?
Hybrid
What type of vineyard site is Champagne?
Macroclimate- climate on the regional level
Also includes Napa Valley and Marlborough
What vineyard or area would be considered a Mesoclimate?
A single vineyard or sub appellation.
Example: Oakville
What is a Microclimate?
The climate for an individual vine
What is Aspect?
The direction the vines face, the angle and height of the slope.
What are the benefits of a sloping vineyard?
Greater sun strength in a temperate climate.
Natural drainage.
What effect does altitude have on vineyard temperature?
For every 100 meters (330 ft) above sea level temperature fall 1 degree C (1.8 degrees F)
What effect do bodies of water have on a vineyard?
Warms cold regions via convection & reflection. (Mosel)
Cool ocean currents can moderate warmer climates. (Santa Barbara)
Climate vs Weather
Climate: Determined by geographical location. (What should be)
Weather: result of how nature affects climate on a daily basis. (What it is)
What is the ideal mean temperature to grow grapes?
57-59 degrees F.
Averaging no less than 66 degrees in Summer and 30 degrees in winter.
How much rain is required for a vine to thrive?
27 inches
What methods are used to combat frost?
Aspersion (spraying with sprinklers)
Smudge pots
Fans
Planting away from frost pockets
What is the area most prone to hail?
Piedmont
What is the effect of hail in spring?
Damages flowers which effects pollination & fruit set, leading to smaller yields.
What happens when hail damages a vines leaves?
Slows photosynthesis and translocation of sugars during ripening.
What is powdery mildew and how do you treat it?
- Aka Oidium
- Fungus native to North America
- Spreads in dry conditions
- Prevent by aerating canopy and spraying sulfur. Organic vineyard uses mineral oil.
What is downy mildew?
AKA persona sport
A fungus of European origin.
Infected grapes turn leathery and shrivel.