Viticulture Flashcards
Viticulture
Grape growing;
Factors occurring from nature plus decisions made in the vineyard by people that affect wine quality
What factors affect wine style & wine quality, aka Factors of Production?
- Location / geography
- Climate
- Topography / aspect
- Soil
- Grape varieties planted
- Viticultural practices
- Vinification practices
- Harvest
- Yearly weather / vintage variation
- Terroir
- Regional wine law
- Historical background
What is aspect?
Degree and direction that a slope faces on a hillside or vineyard slope;
Facing the equator gives more sunlight & warmth
What are some location & geography considerations when selecting a vineyard?
- Site selection
- Producer goals - i.e. large scale poducion or boutique, machine harvesting
- Regional laws
- Financial considerations
Define climate.
The composite or prevailing weather conditions in an area in general over a long period of time.
What components of climate are relatively stable from year to year?
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Air pressure
- Rainfall
- Sunshine & cloudiness
- Wind
What is the difference between macro-, meso-, and microclimates?
Microclimate: of a wine region
Mesoclimate: of a vineyard
Microclimate: around a single vine, i.e. canopy management
What are the latitudinal wine growing zones?
30 to 50 degrees N and S of equator
What are common climate descriptors?
Continental, maritime, Mediterranean, tropical, desert / arid
Cool, moderate, warm, or hot of each
What is the difference between seasonality and diurnality?
Seasonality: 4 distinct seasons, hot summers and cold winters
Diurnality: range of temperatures between day and night
Describe a maritime climate.
Proximal to a body of water, more moderated temps and less diurnality, more humidity and more precipitation
Describe a Mediterranean climate.
Proximal to a body of water, warmer temps overall, more dry
Describe a continental climate.
Within a large land mass, high seasonality, high diurnality
Describe a tropical climate.
Proximal to a body of water, hot temps, more humidity
Describe a high desert / arid climate.
Within a land mass, hot & dry, dramatic temperature drops overnight
What are climate factors & moderators?
Diurnal shifts, sunshine hours, threats (frost, hail, wind), bodies of water, mountains & rain shadow effect, altitude
What is the rain shadow effect?
Mountains tend to trap rain on one side and block weather from the other side; grape-side is typically warm, dry, & sunny
Andes, Washington State, Alsace
Define topography.
Surface features of land;
Local elevation or altitude;
Vineyard features - slopes, steep hillsides, valley floors
Examples of common soil types.
Granite, limestone, chalk, marl, schist, clay, sand, gravel
List important soil properties.
- Drainage or water retention
- Sun reflection
- Nutrient content
- Temperature regulation
- Pest resistance
Name some common vitis vinifera (genus species) grapes varietals.
10,000 varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah, etc.
How are grape varieties chosen?
Regional wine law, climate compatibility, soil compatibility, marketability
Define the anatomy of a grape.
Pulp - majority water, acid and sugar offset during ripening
Seeds or pips - bitter
Grape skin - provide tannin, color, aromas and flavor
What defines vineyard architecture?
- Vine spacing
- Vine training
- Vineyard orientation
- Aspect
- Terracing
