Viticulture

Question 1

Most vine growing occurs between the __ and __ degree latitudes in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Answer 1

30 and 50

Question 2

Macroclimate

Answer 2

the climate of an entire wine region

Question 3

Mesoclimate

Answer 3

the climate of a particular vineyard

Question 4

Microclimate

Answer 4

the climate of a single row of vines

Question 5

Continental

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Maritime

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Mediterranean

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

High Desert

Answer 8

Summers are generally hot and dry. Daytime temperatures are high, but dramatic drops are often experienced overnight.

Question 9

Temperature Definitions

Answer 9

Cool, moderate, warm, hot

Question 10

Diurnal shifts

Answer 10

The difference between average daytime high and nighttime low temperatures. This can affect the ripening of grapes and the balancing of acidity and sugar.

Question 11

Sunshine hours

Answer 11

The number of sunshine hours a vineyard or wine region receives in a given vintage years or growing season

Question 12

Frost or Freeze

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Hail

Answer 13

Can shatter grapes on the vine

Question 14

Strong winds

Answer 14

Can blow vines over or blow buds and flowers off the vine, preventing grapes from growing

Question 15

Bodies of water can

Answer 15

Warm or cool a wine region

Question 16

Mountains can

Answer 16

Protect a wine region from surrounding weather or climate influences

Question 17

Rain shadow

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Altitude/Elevation

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Wind

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Local elevation/altitude

Answer 20

Temperature decreases as elevation increases

Question 21

Steeper hillsides

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Valley floor

Answer 22

Pool air, are susceptable to frost and sometimes have overly fertile soil

Question 23

Aspect

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Proximity to water

Answer 24

How close is a vineyard to lakes, oceans, or rivers?

Question 25

Grape skins

Answer 25

tannins, color, flavor

Question 26

Pulp

Answer 26

water, sugar, acids, seeds/pips

Question 27

Vitis vinifera

Answer 27

• a species native to the Mediterranean, Europe, and southwestern Asia
• the most common species for quality grape production
• upwards of 10,000 varieties

Question 28

three vine varieties

Answer 28

vitis labrusca
vitis riparia
vitis vinifera

Question 29

Climate compatibility

Answer 29

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?

Question 30

Soil compatibility

Answer 30

Will the particular grape variety grow well in the soil type of the vineyard?