Viticulture Flashcards
Most Common Grape Species
Vitis Aestivalis
Vitis Berlandieri
Vitis Labrusca
Vitis Riparia
Vitis Rotundifolia
Vitis Rupestris
Vitis Vinifera
Bench grafting
Joining together a desired variety with a rootstock variety by machine in a warm environment, such as a greenhouse or nursery
Why is warmth essential for bench grafting?
Encourages the vines to fuse together
What kind of vines are used for bench grafting?
Young Vines
Berry Set
Just after flowering, each fertilized flower becomes a berry
French term for Budburst/Budbreak
Débourrement
Budburst/Budbreak
The first new green tissue emerges from each bud
Budswell
Buds become larger, indicating the onset of Budburst/budbreak
Clone
Offspring that is genetically identical to its parent
How are clones obtained?
Through vegetative propagation from cuttings
How are vines for clones selected?
Based on desired attribute such as cold tolerance, final wine characteristics, resistance to disease, vigor, yields, and more.
Mutations can occur as the vine matures
Crossing
Offspring created by breeding two different grape varieties
Dry Farming
When a vintner decides not to apply any water to the vineyard
Field grafting
Takes place in the vineyards with mature vines. If a vintner decides to change the grape variety between seasons, the existing vine is cut back to the trunk and a bud, or cutting, of the desired variety is grafted onto the trunk
How long does it take a newly planted vine to bear mature fruit?
3 years
What is the advantage of field grafting?
Less expensive
Following vintage will produce the newly grafted grape variety (vs 3 years for newly planted)
Another name for Field Grafting
Head Grafting
French term for Flowering/Anthesis
Floraison
Flowering/Anthesis
Pollen is released and fertilization occurs.
Are insects required for wine grapevines to pollinate?
No, wine grapevines self-pollinate
Graft Union
Scar tissue where the rootstock and scion were grafted
Why is grafting a common practice?
Due to the poor immune system of vines
Grafting
Process where the scion of one vine is connected to the rootstock of another vine and secured until the vine heals the wound and the two grow as one
Two common methods of grafting
Bench grafting
Field grafting (head grafting)
Green drop/Harvest
Crop-thinning pass made just after veraison to remove less ripe, green clusters
When is green drop/harvest done?
Just after veraison
French term for hens and chicks
Millerandage
Millerandage
Grape clusters with berries that vary in size and number of seeds.
What causes Millerandage?
Cold weather at flowering, mineral deficiency, or disease
What is the result of Millerandage?
Reduced yields and uneven ripening
French term for Hybrid
Hybride
Hybrid
Offspring created by breeding two different grape species. Created via cross-pollination of the two parents
How are hybrids created?
By cross-pollinating the two different grape species parents
What is the difference between a crossing and a hybrid?
Hybrids are created via two different grape species
Crossings are created via two different grape varieties
Inflorescence
Cluster of flowers that, after berry set, becomes a grape cluster
French term for leafing
Effeuillage
Leafing
Process where leaves are removed from the canopy to reduce disease pressure or increase the amount of sunlight on the fruit
Why is leafing done?
To reduce disease pressure or increase the amount of sunlight on the fruit
French term for Marcottage or Layering
Provignage (“en foule”)
What is Marcottage/Layering?
Method of propagating vines by burying one cane to make another vine
French term for Pruning
Taille
Pruning
Process where excess wood is removed from the dormant vine, strategically leaving only buds that will produce shoots this year
French term for rootstock
Porte-greffe
Rootstock
Portion of the vine in contact with the soil. Rootstocks are typically phylloxera resistant
French term for Mass Selection
Selection Massale
Mass Selection
Selected budwood from multiple vines are planted in one vineyard
How is the budwood selected for Mass Selection/Selection Massale?
Based on desired attributes in order to promote growth in the vineyard, serve as an insurance plan, and often to increase complexity in the final wine
Scion
Portion of the vine above ground
(To combat phylloxera, grapevines are comprised of two vines that have been grafted together)
Typically, what species is the scion?
Vitis Vinifera
Shot berries
Small, hard green berries that contain no seeds
Suckering
Process of removing small, unwanted shoots that grow from latent buds on the trunk and cordon
Topping
Hedging the top of the vine to prevent it from growing taller
French term for Uneven set
Coulure
Coulure
Uneven set, occurs when a significant number of berries do not set after flowering
What causes Coulure?
Cold weather during flowering or a mineral deficiency
What is the result of Coulure?
Reduced yields
Ungrafted vines
Term used to describe a vine that is on its original rootstock
What is true about ungrafted vines?
Typically very old, resulting in lower, but more concentrated production
Veraison/Véraison
Marks the start of ripening in the berries. Red grapes change color from green to red, sugar and flavor accumulation begins, acid is degraded, and the berry softens
What happens at veraison?
Red grapes change color from green to red
Sugar and flavor accumulation begins
Acid is degraded
Berry softens
Nickname of Vitis Aestivalis
Summer Grape
Nickname of Vitis Berlandieri
Fall Grape
Nickname of Vitis Labrusca
Fox Grape
Nickname of Vitis Riparia
Riverbank Grape
Nickname of Vitis Rupestris
Rock Grape
What is reported to be the oldest variety in America for commercial production?
Vitis Aestivalis
Attributes of Vitis Aestivalis
Prefers well draining soils on south facing slopes
High maintenance
Common characteristics to Vitis Vinifera
Does not graft well — so not commonly used for phylloxera protection
Attributes of Vitis Berlandieri
Grows well in limestone-rich soils
Does not root well so not commonly used for phylloxera protection
Attributes of Vitis labrusca
Grows well in cold climates
Commonly used for the production of kosher and dessert wines
Known for a distinct “foxy” aroma
Disease prone so not commonly used for phylloxera protection
Which American rootstock is commonly used in the production of kosher and dessert wine?
Vitis Labrusca
Attributes of Vitis Riparia
Grows well in cold climates as well as hot, humid climates
Commonly used for phylloxera protection due to climate tolerance, disease resistance, and its ability to root well
Attributes of Vitis rotundifolia
Grows well in regions with abundant sun exposure
Very disease resistant and known for highly floral, musky aromas
Attributes of Vitis Rupestris
Drought and disease resistant
Deep rooting
Grows well in rocky soils
Commonly used for phylloxera and hybrid production
Which American rootstocks are commonly used for phylloxera protection?
Vitis Riparia and Vitis Rupestris
Where is Vitis Aestivalis commonly planted?
Missouri
Where is Vitis Berlandieri commonly planted?
Texas
Where was Vitis labrusca developed?
Where is it commonly planted?
Massachusetts
Michigan/New York
Where is Vitis Riparia commonly planted?
Michigan and higher elevations throughout the USA
Where is Vitis rotundifolia commonly planted?
North Carolina
Where is Vitis Rupestris commonly planted?
Missouri
Which two American grape species are commonly planted in Missouri?
Vitis Aestivalis and Vitis Rupestris
What are the commonly used hybrids?
Catawba
Clinton
Concord
Cunningham
Cynthiana
Delaware
Herbemont
Isabella
Jacques
Noah
Norton
Taylor
Name two commonly used hybrids that are white varieties.
Noah and Taylor (Taylor is the parent of Noah)
Catawba
Labrusca x ?
Red Variety
Widely grown in Missouri and Arkansas
Clinton
Labrusca x Riparia
Red Variety
Some plantings in Europe
Concord
Labrusca x Vinifera
Red Variety
Commonly used for sweet wine production in North America in addition to its commercial uses
Cunningham
Aestivalis x ?
Red Variety
Commonly planted in Eastern Europe and Texas
Resistant to Pierce’s Disease
Cynthiana
Aestivalis x ?
Red Variety
Commonly planted in Missouri and Virginia
Delaware (Hybrid)
Vinifera x Aestivalis
Red Variety
Often used for American sparkling wines
Herbemont
Aestivalis x ?
Red Variety
Commonly planted in Eastern Europe and Texas
Resistant to Pierce’s disease
Isabella (Hybrid)
Labrusca x Vinifera
Red Variety
Commonly planted in tropical climates
Jacquez (Hybrid)
Aestivalis x ?
Red Variety
Commonly planted in Eastern Europe and Texas
Resistant to Pierce’s Disease
Noah (Hybrid)
Labrusca x Riparia
White Variety
Commonly used for Eau-de-vie production in France
Norton (Hybrid)
Aestivalis x ?
Red Variety
Commonly planted in Missouri and Virginia
Taylor (Hybrid)
Labrusca x Riparia
White Variety
Commonly used as rootstocks in France
Parent grape of Noah
What are Field Spray Preparations?
Biodynamic preparations that are prepared as a team and sprayed on the soil or vine canopy.
Just before application, the teas are dynamited, or stirred vigorously by hand or stick until a vortex forms, alternating direction every 30 to 60 seconds for 1 hour
What are compost preparations?
Biodynamic preparations that are used to treat compost 6 months before the compost is applied to the vineyard
What are the 3 Field Spray Biodynamic Preparations?
BD Prep 500 - Manure
BD Prep 501 - Silica
BD Prep 508 - Horsetail Plant
What are the 6 Compost Biodynamic Preparations?
BD Prep 502 - Yarrow Flowers
BD Prep 503 - Chamomile Flowers
BD Prep 504 - Stinging Nettles
BD Prep 505 - Oak Bark
BD Prep 506 - Dandelion Flowers
BD Prep 507 - Valerian Flowers
What is BD Prep 500?
Field Spray Biodynamic Preparation
Manure from a lactating cow placed inside a cow horn and buried during winter
What does BD Prep 500 use?
Fertilizer
Stimulates soil microbial life and encourages root growth
How is BD Prep 500 applied?
Applied in the spring and fall, preferably within half an hour of sunset, on recently worked soil
What is BD Prep 501
Field Spray Biodynamic Preparation
Paste of silica (powdered quartz) and water placed inside a cowhorn and buried during summer
What does BD Prep 501 do?
Assists with ripening & pests
Encourages photosynthesis & ripening
When is BD Prep 501 applied?
Applied in the late spring or early summer, preferably at sunrise and never on young vines. Must be applied after Prep 500
What is BD Prep 508
Field Spray Preparation
Horsetail plant boiled into a tea
What does BD Prep 508 do?
Anti-Fungal
Fights fungal infections
How is BD Prep 508 applied?
Can be combined with fungicide and sprayed on the vine or fermented first and sprayed on the soil during the waxing moon.
Must be applied after Preps 500 and 501
What is BD Prep 502
Compost Biodynamic Preparation
Yarrow Flowers stuffed into deer bladder, dried in the sun, and buried over winter
What is the purpose of BD Prep 502?
Healing Wounds
Aids in the absorption of nutrients from the soil
How is BD Prep 502 applied?
Added individually to holes in the compost pile
What is BD Prep 503?
Compost Biodynamic Preparation
Chamomile flowers stuffed into a cow intestine, dried in the sun, and buried over winter
What is the purpose of BD Prep 503?
Anti-septic
Stabilizes calcium and nitrogen
How is BD Prep 503 applied?
Added individually to holes in the compost pile
What is BD Prep 504?
Compost Biodynamic Preparation
Stinging nettles buried for a year
What is the purpose of BD Prep 504?
Cleanser
Helps breakdown materials inside compost
How is BD Prep 504 applied?
Added individually to holes in the compost pile
What is BD Prep 505?
Compost Biodynamic Preparation
Oak bark stuffed inside the skull of a farm animal and stored somewhere moist for the winter
What is the purpose of BD Prep 505?
Reduces soil acidity
Wards off disease
Prevents excessive plant growth
How is BD Prep 505 applied?
Added individually to holes in the compost pile
What is BD Prep 506?
Compost Biodynamic Preparation
Dandelion flowers stuffed into the connective tissues of a cow’s stomach, dried in the sun, and buried over the winter
What is the purpose of BD Prep 506?
Aids uptake of silica and potassium
How is BD Prep 506 applied?
Added individually to holes in the compost pile
What is BD Prep 507?
Compost Biodynamic Preparation
Valerian flowers, pressed into a juice
What is the purpose of BD Prep 507?
Heats compost and adds phosphorous
How is BD Prep 507 applied?
Prepared as a tea, dynamited and sprayed onto the compost pile
What is the proper order of Field Spray Preparations?
500 (Manure), 501 (Silica), 508 (Horseplant)
All of the compost biodynamic preparations are added individually to holes in the compost pile except for which one?
BD Prep 507 — it is prepared as a tea, dynamited, and sprayed onto the compost pile
How many nutrients are required by grapevines for essential function?
17
What happens if grapevines receive too many nutrients?
High vigor/overproduction
What happens if a grapevine receives too few nutrients?
Chlorosis
What happens with chlorosis?
It occurs when photosynthesis is restricted as a result of too few nutrients in the vine — The leaves will turn yellow and the vine will eventually die.
What is the Winkler Index?
Classification of the climate of winemaking regions based on Growing Degree Days (GDD)
What is a degree day according to the Winkler Index?
A day over 50F, during the growing season
Northern - April 1st to October 31st
Southern - October 1st to April 30th
For each degree over 50F, the region received one degree day.
What is the growing season in the Northern Hemisphere according to the Winkler Index?
April 1st to October 31st
What is the growing season in the Southern Hemisphere according to the Winkler Index?
October 1st to April 30th
How is the climate zone calculated for the Winkler Index?
For each degree over 50F during the growing season, the region receives one degree day. The number is then added to the sum — giving you the climate zone for the region
What are the climate zones for the Winkler Index?
Ia (coolest)
Ib
II
III
IV
V (warmest)
How many degree days does Ia (the coolest climate zone) have during the growing season?
1500 to 2000
How does the Winkler Index define the Ia (Coolest) climate zone as far as suitability for grape growing?
Only very early-ripening varieties achieve high quality.
Mostly hybrid varieties and some Vitis Vinifera
What places are associated with the Ia (coolest) climate zone for the Winkler Index?
Central Otago, New Zealand
Champagne, France
Kent, England
Kremstal, Austria
Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan
Nova Scotia, Canada
Okanagan Valley, Canada
Puget Sound, Washington
Rio Negro, Argentina
Ruwer, Germany
Sussex, England
Tasmania, Australia
Valais, Switzerland
How many degree days are present in the Ib climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
2001-2500
What is the suitability for grape growing in the Ib climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
Only early-ripening varieties achieve high quality
Some hybrid grape varieties, but mostly Vitis Vinifera
What places are associated with the Ib climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
Adelaide Hills, Australia
Alsace, France
Baden, Germany
Burgundy, France
Central Coast, California
Muscadet, France
Marlborough, New Zealand
Niagara Peninsula, Canada
Rhine Valley, Germany
Ribera del Duero, Spain
Savoie, France
Tokaj, Hungary
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Yarra Valley, Australia
How many degree days are found in the II climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
2501-3000
What is the suitability for grape growing in the II climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
Early and mid-season table wine varieties will produce good-quality varieties
What places are associated with the II climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
Alto Adige, Italy
Bordeaux, France
Columbia Valley, Washington
Coonawarra, Australia
Curico Valley, Chile
Douro Valley, Portugal
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Piedmont, Italy
Rias Baixas, Spain
Walker Bay, South Africa
How many degree days are found in the III climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
3501-4000
What is the suitability for grape growing in the III climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
Favorable for high production of standard- to good-quality table wines
What places are associated with the III climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
Barossa Valley, Australia
Clare Valley, Australia
Friuli, Italy
Margaret River, Australia
McLaren Vale, Australia
Mendocino, California
Monticello, Virginia
Northern Rhône, France
Paso Robles, California
Rioja, Spain
Rutherglen, Australia
Sonoma Valley, California
Thracian Valley, Bulgaria
Umbria, Italy
How many degree days are found in the IV climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
3501-4000
What is the suitability of grape growing in the IV climate zone of the Winkler Index?
Favorable for high production but acceptable table wine quality at best
What places are associated with the IV climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
Alentejo, Portugal
Catalunya, Spain
Corsica, France
Hunter Valley, Australia
Lisbon, Portugal
Languedoc, France
Napa Valley, California
Northern Sonoma, California
Roussillon, France
Southern Rhone, France
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Tuscany, Italy
Veneto, Italy
How many degree days are found in the V (warmest) climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
4001-4900
What is the suitability for grape growing in the V (warmest) climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
Typically only suitable for extremely high production, fair-quality table wine, or table grape varieties destined for early season consumption
What places are associated with the V (warmest) climate zone according to the Winkler Index?
Jerez, Spain
Lodi, California
Madeira, Portugal
Puglia, Italy
Patras, Greece
Sardinia, Italy
Sicily, Italy
What are the average growing season temperatures for a place defined as Cool climate?
50-59
What regions are associated with a cool climate?
Mosel
Alsace
Champagne
Kremstal
Tasmania