What is Macroclimate?
A region as a whole. E.g. Barossa Valley; warm, Yarra Valley; cool
What is a Mesoclimate?
Climate of the vineyard. Altitude can effect the mesoclimate of vineyards
What is the Microclimate?
The climate of the vines itself. Sometimes there can be between 3-4°C difference between altitude.
What climate is Pino Noir grown in?
In cool climates such as Northern Tasmania and Mornington Peninsular
What climate does Shiraz grow in?
Shiraz grows well in most climates but different climates will give a difference flavour profile:
Cool climate Shiraz: spicy/peppery (e.g. Grampians)
Hot climate Shiraz: jammy/fruity (e.g. Barossa Valley)
What is the optimum baume level of a mature grape?
12-13 baume
What is the optimum acid level of a mature grape?
3.6 pH
What are the three major climactic factors?
- Latitude
- Altitude
- Maritime
What are the characteristics of cool climate?
- Not as many consecutively hot days
- Lower temperature preserve acidity but ripening is more difficult
- Fresh fruit flavours, more acidity
What are the characteristics of hot climates?
- Consistently hot, even through the night
- Grapes lose acidity quicker and often needs added acids
- Higher alcohol content
- More ripe fruit flavours and less acidity
