Viticulture Flashcards

1
Q

What are the climatic characteristics of the Comtats de Barcelona zone?

A

The climate of the Comtats de Barcelona zone has typically Mediterranean characteristics, with a long summer season, plentiful sunshine and high temperatures in spring and summer, providing optimum conditions for the ripening of the grapes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the geographical characteristics of the Comtats de Barcelona zone?

A

The geography is characterized by valleys or depressions between low mountain ranges with different orientations, and different altitudes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Name the synonym for Xarel·lo variety in Serra de Mar subzone?

A

Xarel·lo is widely known as “Pansa Blanca” in Serra de Mar. **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the determinants of the temperate climate in the Serra de Mar subzone?

A

The subzone is protected from the cold north winds in winter by the Serralada de Marina and the thermal moderation of the Mediterranean Sea. **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the dominant grape variety in the Serra de Mer subzone?

A

The Xarel·lo variety is dominant in the Serra de Mer subzone. ** [Macabeo is dominant overall in Cava.]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the dominant soil in the Serra de Mer subzone?

A

The vines are planted in the sauló soil that characterizes this subzone. **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is sauló soil?

A

Sauló is a sandy, permeable, well-drained (granitic) soil that is not predominantly chalky. This soil contributes to a natural acidity which is ideal for long-aged Cavas. It is characteristic of the Serra de Mer subzone. **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

In which specific areas of the Valls d’Anoia-Foix subzone do the various Cava grapes grow?

A

Xarel·lo dominates in the coastal areas, Macabeo in the valley and Parellada in the highest parts of the Valls d’Anoia-Foix subzone. **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the range of vineyard altitude in the Valls d’Anoia-Foix subzone?

A

Vineyards in the Valls d-Annoia-Foix subzone span from 100 to 750 meters above sea level. [Large variability]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the English translation of the Catalan subzone name Valls d’Anoia-Foix?

A

It is the valleys of the Anoia and Foix rivers that flow from the Montserrat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the geographic characteristics of the Valls d’Anoia-Foix subzone that influence the climate?

A

The Montserrat offers protection from the north winds, resulting in a temperate climate, with mild winters and summers that are not too dry.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the geographic characteristics of the Conca del Gaià subzone?

A

This Cava subzone is formed by a plateau that is open to the sea, gently rising up to the mountains of the Coastal Range that frame it.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the climatic characteristics of the Conca del Gaià subzone?

A

A typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, tempered by sea breezes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the climatic characteristics of the Serra de Prades subzone?

A

It is a transitional Mediterranean climate with pronounced temperature contrasts. The influence of the Mediterranean is moderated by the continental winds blowing from the interior, This makes for the sensory attributes of white grapes that are typical of cold climatic zones.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the altitudes of the Serra de Prades subzone?

A

between 350 and 600 meters above sea level,

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Which subzone has a microclimate that favors the cultivation of the native Trepat variety? What is the characteristic of that microclimate?

A

The Serra de Prades has a transitional Mediterranean climate due to continental westerly winds blowing creating a large diurnal variation. This subzone favors cultivation of Trepat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the geographic characteristics of the Serra de Prades subzone?

A

the Serra de Prades to the south and the river Francolí ** [SPF]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the geographic characteristics of the Pla de Ponent subzone that influence the climate?

A

The continental climate with Mediterranean influences is dry with long hours of sunshine. It has a large diurnal variation. The vineyards are located at an altitude of between 200 and 400 meters, in an essentially flat landscape with gentle undulations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the geographic location of the Valls d’Annoia-Foix subzone?

A

Valleys lying between the Massif del Gariff and the Catalan Coastal range.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the Massif del Gariff?

A

The Garraf Massif is a mountain range of the Catalan Coastal Range, Catalonia, Spain. Its cliffs reach the Mediterranean waters. Its highest point on the coastal side is La Morella, 593 metres above sea level.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Which subzone was a historic vineyard for the Romans?

A

Conca de Gaià subzone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Lleida is within which Cava subzone?

A

Pla de Ponent subzone [Conca del Gaià subzone borders Lleida.]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

When is the rainfall in Pla de Ponent subzone?

A

Mostly in the spring ** [not the typical Mediterranean rains during the winter]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the dominant geographic feature of the Ebro Valley zone?

A

The proximity and influence of the river Ebro characterizes this Cava zone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What are the climatic characteristics of the Ebro Valley zone?

A

It has a temperate continental climate which means that winters are quite cold and summers are hot and dry.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the level of rainfall in the Alto Ebro subzone?

A

It is a mild climate with moderate annual rainfall thanks to the mountain ranges to the north and the south that form a barrier which above all reduces clouds and precipitation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What are the climatic characteristics of the Valle de Cierzo subzone?

A

Dry continental climate with a large diurnal variation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Compare the grape varieties used in Valle de Cierzo and Alto Ebro subzones.

A

Both use Macabeo and Garnacha Tinta; Alto Ebro incorporates Chardonnay. **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What are the climatic characteristics of the de Almendralejo zone?

A

These vineyards enjoy a fairly dry continental climate, with mild winters and high summer temperatures that are accentuated by the warm wind known as the “viento solano”.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What is the name of the warm wind found in the de Almendralejo zone?

A

The high summer temperatures are accentuated by the warm wind known as the “viento solano”. [Note that this wind may be humid on arrival to the east coast of Spain, but is dry on arrival to Extramadura.]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is the solano wind?

A

It is an easterly to south-easterly wind, a regional variation or extension of the sirocco. As the dry dusty air of the Sirocco travels northward across the Mediterranean Sea, it picks up much moisture because of its high temperature, and reaches Spain (known as Leveche, Solano, Jaloque or Xaloque).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What are the geographic characteristics of the Viñedos de Almendralejo zone?

A

The land here is nearly flat and is situated at between 200 and 450 meters above sea level. It is located in the Tierra de Barros area of the Badajoz province in the communidad of Extramadura. **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is the unique grape variety used in the Viñedos de Almendralejo?

A

In addition to Macabeo and Parellada, one finds Alarije (Subirat Parent).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What are the climatic characteristics of the the Requena Zone?

A

The climate here could be described as dry meso-Mediterranean with a strong influence of the continental climate, influenced by the high elevation altitude, and it’s location 70 km from the sea. The defining aspects are the large diurnal variation and the long cold winters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What are the geographic characteristics of the Requena Zone?

A

This zone is situated on a small inland plateau between the Mediterranean Sea and the Meseta Castellana, at a height of between 600 and 900 metros. It is bounded by the curve of the river Cabriel to the south and the hills of the Sierras Ibéricas del Molón to the north.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What are the main grape varieties used in the Requena Zone?

A

Macabeo, Garnatxa Negre and Chardonnay

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

When does the dormant period for the vine begin?

A

With leaf fall in mid-November **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

When does the rise of sap for the vine begin?

A

Beginning of March **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

When does the bud break for the vine begin?

A

End of March **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

When does the flowering for the vine begin?

A

End of May **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

When does the formation of clusters for the vine begin?

A

June **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

When does the véraison for the vine begin?

A

end of July (the onset of the ripening of the grapes, aka the “change of color of the grape berries”) **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

When does the ripening for the vine begin?

A

after the véraison **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

When does the change in the color of the leaves and leaf fall for the vine begin?

A

in the autumn **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

When does pruning occur?

A

while vines are dormant **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What are two different types of pruning?

A

There are two different types of pruning, one is what’s known as simple or double spur pruning (or Cordon) and the other is Guyot, the single or double “stick and thumb” method. **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What is the goal of pruning?

A

The aim of pruning is to limit the excessive development of the plant, controlling the grapes it will produce in terms of both quality and quantity.**

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What are the required vineyard steps during dormancy?

A
  • Soil preparation which may include ploughing and fertilizing if necessary
  • Pruning
  • Planting and grafting
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

At what temperature does the sap start to rise in the vine?

A

In the temperate climates of the northern hemisphere (as is the case for Cava) this usually occurs at the beginning of March when ground temperatures climb above 10ºC. **

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

What is the effect of the sap escaping through the cuts made by pruning? (“crying”)

A

It makes the vines more sensitive to frost.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

What is green pruning? And what is its effect?

A

It occurs in the springtime to lighten the plants’ “load” in order to improve grape quality and yield by increasing the area that the sunlight can reach.

52
Q

What are the required vineyard steps during the summer?

A

CLUSTER THINNING: This is done to ensure that the yield per hectare is in line with the stipulations of the D.O.
LEAF REMOVAL: The process whereby the winegrower removes leaves to allow better ripening or aeration of the grapes, at the discretion of each grower.
GREEN PRUNING: Consists of the elimination of non-fertile shoots (those that will not bear fruit) to maintain the correct yield of the parts that will indeed produce fruit.
HARVESTING: After sampling to determine the optimum balance between sugar, acidity and phenolic compounds. **

53
Q

What are the two parts of the vine leaf?

A

The leaves sprout from the green shoots that emerge when a bud develops, and consist of two parts. The blade is most frequently the flat, photosynthetic part. The petiole is a stem that attaches the blade to the stem of the plant.

54
Q

What is the tendril of the vine?

A

The tendril is a structure similar to that of the stems, and one whose function is to help the plant to climb, using surfaces or other plants for support. **

55
Q

What is the bud of the vine?

A

The bud is the organ that gives rise to the sprouting of the first leaves, the clusters and the tendrils. **

56
Q

What are the nodes of the vine?

A

These are the parts of the trunk or branches from which the vine shoots grow. **

57
Q

What are the vine shoots of the vine?

A

Each year part of the vine shoot is renewed, starting from the previous year’s bud. It contains all the growth structures the plant needs in order to develop correctly over the course of the year.

58
Q

What is the cluster of the vine?

A

This is the fruit itself, the grapes. These are round berries, and the seeds are to be found inside. **

59
Q

What is the function of the trunk and the branches of the vine?

A

They support the rest of the plant, as well as acting as a channel for nutrients.

60
Q

What is the function and potential depth of the vine root (or rootstock)?

A

The root nourishes the plant with water and mineral nutrients. It also provides anchoring support. The roots can reach a depth of between 50 cm and 6 m.

61
Q

What is the mesocarp?

A

The (pulpor) mesocarp is the pulp, generally translucent.

62
Q

What does the pulp contain?

A

The pulp (mesocarp) is very rich in water, sugars, acids (primarily malic and tartaric), aromas, etc.

63
Q

What is the function of the pruina or epicuticular wax of the grape?

A

a waxy layer on the surface of the grape skin which acts as a protective layer due to its water-repellent properties

64
Q

What are examples of metabolites found in the skin of the grape?

A

aromatic substances and phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids that are responsible for the color of the wine.

65
Q

What is the endocarp of the vine?

A

The pips (seeds) are surrounded by a thin protective layer called the endocarp.

66
Q

Each grape berry contains how many seeds?

A

between 0 and 4 seeds **

67
Q

What is a seedless grape called in Spanish?

A

a “baya apirena” **

68
Q

What are the most important components of the seeds?

A

The most important components of the seeds are water, glyclosidic compounds, oils and tannins.

69
Q

What is the planting density for D.O. Cava?

A

A low planting density, between 1,500 and 3,500 plants per hectare (in context of the limited rainfall in the area.)

70
Q

What is the permitted vine training for D.O. Cava?

A

Both goblet and espalier are permitted

71
Q

What is the maximum yields permitted in D.O. Cava?

A

Yields are limited to a maximum of 12,000 kg/Ha for the Cava de Guarda and a maximum of 10,000 kg for the Cava de Guarda Superior Reserva and Gran Reserva. (In certain vintages, changes are allowed up to 15,000 kg/Ha.)

72
Q

What are the maximum yields of the first pressing of grapes in D.O. Cava?

A

A maximum yield of 100 liters of must per 150 kg of grapes (0.66 l/kg). In the case of Cava de Paraje Calificado, this is reduced to 60 liters of must for each 100 kg of grapes (0.6 l/kg).

73
Q

What is the most extensively grown grape variety within the framework of the D.O. Cava?

A

Macabeo ** [MXP]

74
Q

Describe the bunches of Macabeo grapes.

A

With large, compact clusters, this is a grape that can be quite productive and is extremely vigorous. It has fine skin, a long growth cycle, and ripens late.

75
Q

Macabeo is native to what area?

A

It is considered to be native to the Penedès zone, more specifically to Vilafranca, and was mentioned for the first time in1617.

76
Q

Describe the wine made from Macabeo grapes.

A

It produces wines with a light floral character, fine, elegant and well-balanced, although its richness in sugars and acidity are moderate.
It is also highly valued for its good aging potential.

77
Q

Where is the most Macabeo grown within D.O. Cava?

A

Penedés Central and Costa del Garraf.
Tarragona zone, Conca de Barberà and La Rioja.

78
Q

How thick is the grape skin of Macabeo?

A

Thin

79
Q

Describe the wine made from Xarel·lo grapes.

A

Xarel·lo adds acid structure and produces full-bodied wines with a distinctive flavor (earthy, herbal and lemon) that makes Cava stand out from other sparkling wines made using the traditional method.

80
Q

Where is the most Xarel·lo grown within D.O. Cava?

A

Central and coastal areas of the Penedès, Tarragona, and in the Serra de Mar sub-zone (where it’s known as “pansa blanca”).

81
Q

Xarel·lo is native to what area?

A

It is native to the Penedés in Catalonia. It was mentioned for the first time in Sitges in 1785.

82
Q

What is the second most extensively grown grape variety within the framework of the D.O. Cava?

A

Xarel·lo ** [MXP]

83
Q

Describe the bunches of Xarel·lo grapes.

A

The clusters are medium-sized, not particularly compact, and the skin is thick. [Compare with thin skin of Macabeo and thick skin of Parellada and large compact clusters of Macabeo.] **

84
Q

When was Parellada first documented to be grown in Spain?

A

It was first cultivated in Spain in the 14th century.

85
Q

What is the contribution of Parellada to the Cava coupage?

A

In Cava it contributes by adding finesse and freshness to the wines.

86
Q

Describe the bunches of Parellada grapes.

A

With large clusters, medium sized berries and thick skin, this is a variety that buds early and ripens late. Very productive and very well adapted to the high [**] zones of the Penedés.

87
Q

Describe the wine made from Parellada grapes.

A

It produces well-structured wines that are fruity and elegant, adding smoothness and balance. With moderate acidity, it brings personality to the Cava, and also good aging potential [e.g. Can Sala.]

88
Q

Where is the most Parellada grown within D.O. Cava?

A

Alt Penedés, Conca de Barberà, Costers del Segre and a part of northeast Tarragona.

89
Q

What are the synonyms for Subirat Parent?

A

Also known as Malvasía (Riojana) or Alarije **

90
Q

What is the role of Subirat Parent in Cava production?

A

It is a variety increasingly used in making sweet or semi-sweet styles of Cavas.

91
Q

Describe the bunches of Subirat Parent grapes.

A

A variety that both buds and ripens early, the clusters are medium-sized and compact. The berries are large and rounded, with thick skins that take on a slight reddish tone when ripe.

92
Q

Describe the wine made from Subirat Parent grapes.

A

Generally produces wines with structure, freshness and a good aromatic composition - rich in tropical aromas, together with white flowers, rose and melon plus herbal notes. These nuances grow in complexity with aging

93
Q

Where is the most Subirat Parent grown within D.O. Cava?

A

Not widely grown. Found at the high elevations in the Penedés and in part of La Rioja [Also in Almendra, aka Alarije and Malvalsía Riojana]

94
Q

What is the contribution of Chardonnay to Cava?

A

The main attribute of Chardonnay is its versatility.

95
Q

Where is Chardonnay most prevalent?

A

Alt Penedés Zone.

96
Q

Where did Garnacha Tinta originate?

A

Most documentation points to an origin in Aragón.

97
Q

What qualities does Garnacha bring to Cava?

A

adding notes reminiscent of fruit preserves and red berries

98
Q

When is Trepat typically harvested?

A

Trepat is harvested late. It has large, compact clusters and berries with a thick skin.

99
Q

Although Trepat is not common in the vineyards of Catalonia, where is it found most often?

A

Conca de Barberà, Costers del Segre and Penedés; within in DO Cava that would be Serra de Prades subzone

100
Q

What is the color of ripe Monastrell grapes?

A

When ripe, Monastrell takes on an attractive bluish color. Clusters are medium-sized and not particularly compact, with quite large berries that have thick skins. **

101
Q

What is the most recent grape variety to be authorized in D.O. Cava?

A

Pinot Noir’s use was authorized in 1998 for making rosé Cavas, and since 2007 it has also been possible to use it in white Cavas called “Blanc de Noirs”. [not traditional] **

102
Q

When was Monastrell first used for making Cava?

A

Monastrell was one of the first varieties to be used for making Cava. **

103
Q

What is the extensively planted red grape variety in Cava?

A

Garnacha Tinta **

104
Q

What are the 3 most extensively planted grape varieties in Cava?

A

The most extensively planted varieties in Cava are the Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parelleda. [MXP]

105
Q

What is downy mildew?

A

It is a form of fungus that primarily attacks the leaves, but that can also appear on the buds, flowers and clusters of fruit. [It is caused by plasmopara viticola. It is considered to be the most devastating disease of grapevines in climates with relatively warm and humid summers. It was first observed in 1834 by Schweinitz on Vitis aestivalis in the southeastern United States.]

106
Q

What are the required conditions for downy mildew?

A

high humidity and temperatures above 15ºC; the inoculum remains on the leaves that fall in the autumn, and becomes active in spring as it is transmitted by raindrops penetrating the stomata of the leaves.

107
Q

What is the treatment for downy mildew?

A

The most frequently applied treatment is copper sulphate, done prophylactically.

108
Q

What is the appearance of downy mildew?

A

In spring it becomes visible, oily spots appear on both sides of the leaf, as do cottony patches. Eventually the leaves dry out. On older leaves in autumn, it can appear as a sort of “mosaic”. It also affects the grape clusters in the form of cottony mycelium, causing the berries to dry out.

109
Q

What is the appearance of powdery mildew?

A

floury-looking greyish-white spots, which is why it’s commonly known as “ceniza” (ash)

110
Q

When does powdery mildew occur?

A

It occurs in warm, humid conditions, (but not in liquid water), which means that its preferred season is spring. It arrives carried on the wind, penetrating the plant via the stomata on the leaves.

111
Q

What is the treatment for powdery mildew?

A

dusting or spraying with sulfur; it can only be tackled once it appears (prevention is the only option for downy mildew).

112
Q

What is the scientific name for grey mold?

A

Botrytis Cinerea

113
Q

What are the the conditions that favors grey mold?

A

High humidity and high temperatures (25ºC and 75% humidity). To cause an infection, the fungus needs to find the “wounds” in the grape that are produced by the grapevine moth, by hail, or by very heavy rains.

114
Q

What is the treatment for grey mold?

A

As this is an internal fungus, the treatment is an indirect one: the control of the grapevine moth.

115
Q

How does bunch structure affect risk of grey mold?

A

Loose grape clusters are more resistant to botrytis infections. The grape varieties with tightly packed bunches (e.g. Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris) rupture more easily because of the pressure the berries apply to each other.

116
Q

What is the difference between grey mold and noble rot?

A

Same fungus, grey mold occurs when dry sunny conditions do not break up the warm humid conditions. Foggy mornings with sunny afternoons favor noble rot.

117
Q

What are the other names for grape worm?

A

Also known as the European grapevine moth, the scientific name is “Lobesia botrana”.

118
Q

What is the treatment for the grape worm?

A

By attracting the moths using pheromone traps, also called “sexual confusion”.

119
Q

What is the most common type of pest that attacks grape vines?

A

grape worm [not phylloxera?]

120
Q

What is the requirement for organic viticulture in Cava?

A

From 2025 onwards, the Cava de Guarda Superior Category will be all from organically certified vineyards. **

121
Q

What percent of Cava is organically produced?

A

15% **

122
Q

What is DO Cava’s most emblematic variety?

A

Xarel·lo **

123
Q

What is Montserrat?

A

Montserrat is a mountain about one-hour northwest of Barcelona. Montserrat derives from Latin meaning “Serrated Mountain” and describes the mountain’s jagged, saw-toothed appearance. A significant monastery is located there.

124
Q

What is the exocarp?

A

Exocarp: The outer pericarp layer. It forms the skin of a grape or peach.

125
Q

What is the pericarp?

A

It is the part of the grape berry surrounding the seed. It is composed of endocarp, mesocarp and exocarp.

126
Q

What is the maximum vineyard yield for Paraje Calificado?

A

8,000 kg/Ha

127
Q

What percent of the organic Cava is actually labeled Cava de Guarda?

A

~70%