Viticulture

Question 1

Name the 3 different sizes of climate from large to small.

Answer 1

1. Macroclimate - an entire region
2. Mesoclimate - a particular vinyard
3. Microclimate - a single row or even a specific vine

Question 2

Name the important climate types for vine growing.

Answer 2

1. Continental (cool) - characterized by strong annual variation in temperature.
2. Maritime (moderate) - influenced by a large body of water. Temperatures are mild, but fluctuate from year to year.
3. Mediterranean (warm)- Summers are hot and dry, but summers are mild along the coast due to cold water currents.
4. High Desert (hot)

Question 3

Define “diurnal shifts

Answer 3

The difference between average daytime high and nighttime low temperatures.

Question 4

Name the climate moderators.

Answer 4

1. Bodies of water

2. Mountains

Question 5

What is a rain shadow?

Answer 5

A dry area on one side of a mountain opposite the wind, rain, and generally poor weather.

Question 6

What are the most important properties of various soil types?

Answer 6

1. Water drainage
2. Water retention
3. Sun reflection

Question 7

Name examples of different soil types.

Answer 7

1. Granite
2. Limestone/chalk
3. Marl
4. Schist
5. Clay
6. Sand
7. Silt
8. Gravel

Question 8

What do the grape skins contribute to wine?

Answer 8

1. Tannins
2. Color - color molecules are different for each grape variety
3. Flavor - the most important aromas and flavors are located in the skins

Question 9

What does the pulp of the grape contribute to wine?

Answer 9

1. Water
2. Sugar
3. Acids
4. Seeds/Pips can produce bitter flavors if pressed

Question 10

Name 3 species of grape used in wine production.

Answer 10

1. Vitis labrusca
2. Vitis riparia
3. Vitis vinifera

Question 11

Where is vitis vinifera native to?

Answer 11

1. The Mediterranean
2. Europe
3. SW Asia

Question 12

How many varieties of vitis vinifera are there?

Answer 12

10,000

Question 13

What is viticultural propagation?

Answer 13

Grape vine breeding.

Question 14

What are hybrids?

Answer 14

Vines of 2 or more different species combine to produce a new variety. (Activity: research an example of a hybrid.)

Question 15

What is a cross?

Answer 15

Vines of the same species combined to create a new variety. (Research an example)

Question 16

What is a clone?

Answer 16

Identical genetic reproductions of a single vine. (Research an example of a common grape that is known for having many clones.)

Question 17

Describe what characteristics typical grapes from a cool climate have.

Answer 17

1. Ripen slowly
2. Less sugar
3. Higher acid
4. Less alcohol potential
5. Flavors are more tart and lean, less ripe and juicy.

Question 18

Describe what characteristics typical grapes from a warm climate have.

Answer 18

1. Fully ripen
2. More sugar
3. Lower acidity
4. Higher alcohol potential
5. Flavors are more ripe, lush, and juicy

Question 19

What is vineyard architecture?

Answer 19

How the vines are laid out:

1. Vine spacing
2. Vine training. Vines are trained to grow specific ways to control grape production.

Question 20

What is green harvest?

Answer 20

Dropping or cutting unripe grape bunches off the vine before harvest to decrease yields and allow the vine to focus on higher quality bunches.

Question 21

Key elements of managing a vineyard.

Answer 21

1. Canopy management
2. Irrigation
3. Pests and desease
4. Fetilizers
5. Anti-fungal treatments

Question 22

What are the ways to determine grape ripeness?

Answer 22

1. Sugar
2. Physiological ripeness - ripeness of the bunches in their totality, including stems and seeds.
3. Tannin ripeness

Question 23

What is terroir?

Answer 23

Total set of elements that affect 1. Vine development and 2. Fruit character.

Question 24

What term refers to the climate of a single vineyard site?

Answer 24

Mesoclimate

Question 25

Name the climate moderators that can help warm a microclimate.

Answer 25

1. Wind
2. Rivers
3. Soil

Question 26

What type of climate is defined by its proximity to a large body of water?

Answer 26

Maritime

Question 27

What is phylloxera?

Answer 27

A vine louse that destroyed many of the world’s vineyards in the mid-to-late 1800s.

Question 28

Name 3 positive effects of wind in a vineyard.

Answer 28

1. Cool
2. Warmth
3. Drier air that can help prevent mold or rot.

Question 29

What is a rain shadow?

Answer 29

A dry area on one side of a mountain opposite the wind, rain, and generally poor weather.

Question 30

Name 3 wine regions of the world that are affected by rain shadows.

Answer 30

1. Alsace
2. Mendoza
3. Washington

Question 31

Most quality grape varieties we see today are made from which vine species?

Answer 31

Vitis Vinifera

Question 32

Explain why green harvesting is practiced

Answer 32

In order to thin the vine of less ripe bunches; thus, allowing the vine to focus on the healthier bunches.