Viticulture Flashcards
Most vine growing occurs between the __ and __ degree latitudes in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
30 and 50
Macroclimate
the climate of an entire wine region
Mesoclimate
the climate of a particular vineyard
Microclimate
the climate of a single row of vines
Continental
A climate characterized by strong annual variation in temperature due to the lack of proximity to significant bodies of water with moderating influences. Hotter summer than in maritime climates, often with cold winter temperatures that can be extreme.
Maritime
A climate influenced by a large body of water such as a sea or ocean. Marked by mild temperatures that can fluctuate from year to year, causing vintage variation.
Mediterranean
Summers are hot and dry, aside from the immediate coastal areas. Along the coasts, summers are mild due to proximity to cold water currents, but storms can also result as a consequence.
High Desert
Summers are generally hot and dry. Daytime temperatures are high, but dramatic drops are often experienced overnight.
Temperature Definitions
Cool, moderate, warm, hot
Diurnal shifts
The difference between average daytime high and nighttime low temperatures. This can affect the ripening of grapes and the balancing of acidity and sugar.
Sunshine hours
The number of sunshine hours a vineyard or wine region receives in a given vintage years or growing season
Frost or Freeze
Can be a hazard in both spring and fall. Winter freezing can cause damage if severe and can kill vines outright/ In the spring, frost can damage or freeze and kill delicate buds or flowers, preventing the vine from setting grape clusters.
Hail
Can shatter grapes on the vine
Strong winds
Can blow vines over or blow buds and flowers off the vine, preventing grapes from growing
Bodies of water can
Warm or cool a wine region
Mountains can
Protect a wine region from surrounding weather or climate influences
Rain shadow
A dry area on one side of a mountain opposite the wind, rain, and generally poor weather. There are many important wine regions in the world that exist in rain shadows.
Altitude/Elevation
With every 100 meters of rise in elevation, temperatures drop by approximately one degree. In warm to hot wine-growing regions, increased elevation provides cooler temperatures that help to slow grape ripening and produce more balanced wines.
Wind
Depending on the direction from which winds originate, wind can cool a growing region (if originating from over cool ocean waters, for example) or lend warmth and drier air (if originating from a desert), helping prevent mold or rot
Local elevation/altitude
Temperature decreases as elevation increases
Steeper hillsides
Provide better drainage os soil, are often less fertile due. to erosion and lower chance of frost, as cool air will fall from the upper slopes. They are harder to maintain during the growing season, and to harvest.
Valley floor
Pool air, are susceptable to frost and sometimes have overly fertile soil
Aspect
Slopes facing the sun during much of the day are the warmest, whereas those facing away from the sun are coolest. Either can be desirable depending on the climate of the region and on whether ripening or retention of acidity is most desired.
Proximity to water
How close is a vineyard to lakes, oceans, or rivers?
Grape skins
tannins, color, flavor
Pulp
water, sugar, acids, seeds/pips
Vitis vinifera
- a species native to the Mediterranean, Europe, and southwestern Asia
- the most common species for quality grape production
- upwards of 10,000 varieties
three vine varieties
vitis labrusca
vitis riparia
vitis vinifera
Climate compatibility
Is the particular grape variety well-suited to the vineyard locale? Will it ripen? Or conversely, is the climate too warm to produce quality grapes with natural balance?
Soil compatibility
Will the particular grape variety grow well in the soil type of the vineyard?
