Viticulture Flashcards
Name the 3 different sizes of climate from large to small.
- Macroclimate - an entire region
- Mesoclimate - a particular vinyard
- Microclimate - a single row or even a specific vine
Name the important climate types for vine growing.
- Continental (cool) - characterized by strong annual variation in temperature.
- Maritime (moderate) - influenced by a large body of water. Temperatures are mild, but fluctuate from year to year.
- Mediterranean (warm)- Summers are hot and dry, but summers are mild along the coast due to cold water currents.
- High Desert (hot)
Define “diurnal shifts
The difference between average daytime high and nighttime low temperatures.
Name the climate moderators.
- Bodies of water
2. Mountains
What is a rain shadow?
A dry area on one side of a mountain opposite the wind, rain, and generally poor weather.
What are the most important properties of various soil types?
- Water drainage
- Water retention
- Sun reflection
Name examples of different soil types.
- Granite
- Limestone/chalk
- Marl
- Schist
- Clay
- Sand
- Silt
- Gravel
What do the grape skins contribute to wine?
- Tannins
- Color - color molecules are different for each grape variety
- Flavor - the most important aromas and flavors are located in the skins
What does the pulp of the grape contribute to wine?
- Water
- Sugar
- Acids
- Seeds/Pips can produce bitter flavors if pressed
Name 3 species of grape used in wine production.
- Vitis labrusca
- Vitis riparia
- Vitis vinifera
Where is vitis vinifera native to?
- The Mediterranean
- Europe
- SW Asia
How many varieties of vitis vinifera are there?
10,000
What is viticultural propagation?
Grape vine breeding.
What are hybrids?
Vines of 2 or more different species combine to produce a new variety. (Activity: research an example of a hybrid.)
What is a cross?
Vines of the same species combined to create a new variety. (Research an example)
What is a clone?
Identical genetic reproductions of a single vine. (Research an example of a common grape that is known for having many clones.)
Describe what characteristics typical grapes from a cool climate have.
- Ripen slowly
- Less sugar
- Higher acid
- Less alcohol potential
- Flavors are more tart and lean, less ripe and juicy.
Describe what characteristics typical grapes from a warm climate have.
- Fully ripen
- More sugar
- Lower acidity
- Higher alcohol potential
- Flavors are more ripe, lush, and juicy
What is vineyard architecture?
How the vines are laid out:
- Vine spacing
- Vine training. Vines are trained to grow specific ways to control grape production.
What is green harvest?
Dropping or cutting unripe grape bunches off the vine before harvest to decrease yields and allow the vine to focus on higher quality bunches.
Key elements of managing a vineyard.
- Canopy management
- Irrigation
- Pests and desease
- Fetilizers
- Anti-fungal treatments
What are the ways to determine grape ripeness?
- Sugar
- Physiological ripeness - ripeness of the bunches in their totality, including stems and seeds.
- Tannin ripeness
What is terroir?
Total set of elements that affect 1. Vine development and 2. Fruit character.
What term refers to the climate of a single vineyard site?
Mesoclimate
Name the climate moderators that can help warm a microclimate.
- Wind
- Rivers
- Soil
What type of climate is defined by its proximity to a large body of water?
Maritime
What is phylloxera?
A vine louse that destroyed many of the world’s vineyards in the mid-to-late 1800s.
Name 3 positive effects of wind in a vineyard.
- Cool
- Warmth
- Drier air that can help prevent mold or rot.
What is a rain shadow?
A dry area on one side of a mountain opposite the wind, rain, and generally poor weather.
Name 3 wine regions of the world that are affected by rain shadows.
- Alsace
- Mendoza
- Washington
Most quality grape varieties we see today are made from which vine species?
Vitis Vinifera
Explain why green harvesting is practiced
In order to thin the vine of less ripe bunches; thus, allowing the vine to focus on the healthier bunches.
