WSET - Chapter 3 - Viniculture Flashcards

1
Q

Name the five things a vine needs to be healthy and ripen.

A

Carbon dioxide, water, heat, sunlight, nutrients

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

How is climate different than weather?

A

Climate describes the weather conditions we may expect in a year, while weather is what happens in a typical day

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

Name three elements that control the climate of a location

A

Latitude, altitude and oceans

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

How do ocean currents and breezes affect climate in wine growing regions?

A

In all cases, except the west coast of France, ocean breezes are cooling. However in Bordeaux the ocean breeze is warming.

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

What happens to a grape if the climate is not hot enough to tipen it?

A

It tastes sour, astringent, bitter and lacking in fruit flavors

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

What happens to a grape iff the climate is too hot?

A

They become unpleasantly jammy low acid, raisiny or generally taste bland

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

Wines grown in a hot climate are what with respect to alcohol, body, tannis and acidity?

A

High alcohol, full body, high tannins, less acidity

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

Wines grown in a cool climate are what with respect to alcohol, body, tannis and acidity?

A

Low alcohol, light body, less tannis, more acid

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

What time during the year does weather have the biggest impact on grapes?

A

The growing season

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

Name four types of extreme weather that impact grapes.

A

Hail (damages skin, subject to rot); extreme cold or hot; floods and late frosts

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

How do winemakers handle vintage variations?

A

They rely on blending to keep style similar.

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

Sunlight allows grapes to combine ____ and ____ into ______

A

Carbon dioxide, water, sugar

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

What chemical species is fermented into alcohol?

A

Sugar

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

In high latitude regions (far away from the Equator) what do you do to vineyard to ensure there is enoug sunlight?

A

Plant on a slope or near a river that reflects sunlight

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

Too much water does what to grapes (like six things)

A

Bloated, high yields, less body, alochol and flavor. Generally diluted falvors. It can also lead to rot if there is dampness.

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

For the highest quality wine, how do you manage water?

A

Just enough water to ensure sugar production, but no more.

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

In Europe why are vines planted on steep slopes or soils like gravel or chalk?

A

They help water drain away and can contribute warmth (e.g. gravel)

18
Q

Most of the worlds vineyards are found at what position in the globe?

A

In temperature zones between 30 and 50 degrees

19
Q

What are the main factors affecting warmth of vines? What are secondary factors?

A

Climate and weather. In addition soils can reflect heat or retain it. Dry stony soils are warmer than wet clay.

20
Q

Name three effects on climate

A

Latitude, altitude and ocean

21
Q

What vineyard activities affect the quality and style of the grape?

A

Generally its management of the yield and care in the vineyard (e.g. watering, pruning, ….)

22
Q

Name the four parts of a grape

A

Stalk, skin, pulp and sees

23
Q

Give some examples of pests and diseases in a vineyard

A

Animals can eat grapes; fungus like mildew or rot damage the green parts of a vine; long-term fungal bacteria or viral diseases can affect the health of vines lowering yields and inhibiting ripening.

24
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of machine harvesting

A

It is efficient and cheap; it can only be done on flat sites. It yields exclusively whole bunch grapes.

25
Q

What is the most important part of the winemaking process?

A

Fermentation

26
Q

Describe the five stages in making white wine, indicating when skins are removed.

A

Crushing, pressing (remove skins), fermentation, maturation and bottling.

27
Q

What is must?

A

The mix of grape juice and yeast that you have prior to fermentation.

28
Q

What is the temperature of white wine fermentation?

A

Low temperatures, 12-22 C

29
Q

How long does fermentation of white wine take?

A

Two to four weeks

30
Q

Describe the five/six stages in making red wine.

A

Crushing, fermentation, pressing, maturation, blending, bottling

31
Q

What is the temperature of red wine fermentation?

A

20 - 32 C

32
Q

How long does fermentation of white wine take?

A

As little as five days or as much as two weeks

33
Q

What types of wines must be made from black grapes?

A

Rose and red

34
Q

What distinguishes rose wines during their production from white or red?

A

They are made like red wines in that they are fermented before pressing; however they are fermented at lower temperatures (12-22 C). They also have less grapeskin contact.

35
Q

T/F Red wines are fermented in oak barrels

A

False. This is not very practical

36
Q

Name three containers that can be used for maturation

A

Wooden vats, barrels or stainless steel tanks.

37
Q

By ______ in _______ the tannins in red wines can soften and can introduce flavors like toffee, fig, nut and coffee

A

maturing in oak barrels

38
Q

Under anerobic conditions what happens to the fruit flavors of young wines

A

They mature into vegetal and animal odors as well as cooked fruit

39
Q

What are factors that impact the cost of a wine? (three categories, list one or two items per)

A

Vineyard: cost of premium land, degree of mechanisation, yield management
WInery: Cost of barrels and ageing (ties up capital need space)
Packaging/Distribution: Exchange rates, pacakaging, transport, low-volume high service distribution is more expensive

40
Q

(True/False) White wines can only be made from white grapes.

A

False

41
Q

What do punching down and pumping over do to a red wine? When do they happen?

A

This happens during fermentation. Alcohol can help extract color, tannins and flavor from the skins so this is done to accelerate those processes.

42
Q

What is the difference between free run wines and press wine?

A

Free run is what comes of the mix of grapes and yeast after fermentation is complete. Press is what comes off when you press on the skins. This has a higher level of tannins and often is blended in.