Wine Making Flashcards
When are vines planted?
During their dormant periods typically April and May
How long do vines last
Will produce good quality grapes for 40 years
How long after planting until vines produces sufficient wine making grapes?
3rd year
White grapes are grown in which climate
Cool
Think Germany and Northern France
Red grapes are grown in which climate?
Warm
Think Italy, Spain, Portugal, Napa Valley
Limitations that result from location
- Days of Sunlight
- Angle of the Sun
- Average Temperature
- Rainfall
- Soil - drainage
Terroir
The “somewhereness” of a particular region or vineyard providing the location limitations.
Do soil or plants provide taste to wine
Wine typically does not get its taste from the soil but nearby plants do provide aromas and taste
How long after flowering until the harvest?
Average is 100 days
What is Brix?
Winemaker’s measure of sugar in grapes
When are grapes harvested?
When the sugar to acid ratio reaches proper levels for the vintner wants to produce.
As the grape ripens sugar (brix) increases and acidity decreases.
Problem: Frost
Result and solution?
Result:
Reduced yield
Solutions:
Wind Machines
Sprinkler Systems
Flaming Heaters
Problem: Not Enough Sun
Results and Solutions?
Results:
Underripe, green herbal, vegetal character, high acid, low sugar
Solutions:
Chaptalization
Problem: Too much Sun
Results and solutions?
Results:
Overripe, high alcohol, prune character
Solutions:
Amelioration (addition of water)
Problem: Too much Rain
Results and Solution?
Results:
Thin, watery wines
Solution:
None (pray for drier weather)
