Viticulture

Question 1

Starting in the vineyard working outward, what are some of the factors that influence grape production?

Answer 1

• Geography (latitude, elevation, etc.)
• Climate
• Aspect
• Soil
• Grapes (whether they’re allowed to be planted or if they suit the climate/ soil)
• Viticultural practices
• Harvest
• Annual weather patterns (e.g. summer hail)
• Terroir
• Regional wine laws + regulations
• History of region’s grape growing + wine making

Question 2

What are some considerations that have to be made when establishing a new vineyard?

Answer 2

1. Environmental and climate considerations:
   - Location and aspect of proposed vineyard
   - soil type/fertility, drainage, average sunlight/ rain
2. Trade and regional considerations
   - how remote is the vineyard and how much does land cost?
   - how much will it cost to find labor, buy barrels, manage the vineyard, etc.?
   - what kind of wine does the owner want to make (large or small production)?
   - what local or regional laws exist that would need to be followed?
3. What grapes will do well here?
   - which varieties suit the climate?

Question 3

What is the difference between climate and weather?

Answer 3

Climate is what you expect; weather is wat you get.
Climate is a region’s expected, daily average level of temperature, sunlight, warmth and rainfall over time (for example, Provence’s climate is warm or Mediterranean);
Weather is what happens day-to-day and what you see outside your window.

Question 4

The majority of the world’s vineyards are located between which two of the earths latitudes?

Answer 4

30° - 50° north and south of the Equator in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Question 5

What are the differences between:

• macroclimate
• mesoclimate
• microclimate

Answer 5

Macroclimate
- refers to the climate of a region, e.g. Burgundy;
Mesoclimate
- refers to the climate of a village, a cluster of vineyards on a slope, or a particular vineyard, e.g. the village of Puligny-Montrachet, the Grand Cru slope of Chablis, or the Bonnes Mares vineyard in Chambolle;
Microclimate
- refers to the climate of a single vineyard or even the climate within the vines and around the canopy, e.g. vines at the top of the hill vs. the bottom of the hill in Clos Saint-Jacques (Gevrey-Chambertin) or the terraces in Valtellina, Lombardy.

Question 6

What are the 4 major climates of wine growing regions?

Answer 6

1. Continental
2. Maritime
3. Mediterranean
4. High Desert

Question 7

define continental climate and give an example

Answer 7

a continental climate is one that has climate extremes: hot summers and cold winters.
They tend to be interior regions.
Northern Rhône and Ribera del Duero are examples of Continental climate

Question 8

define maritime climate and give an example

Answer 8

maritiem klimaten are those that are influenced by large bodies of water and have warm summers and mild winters with rain falling year-round.
Bordeaux and Rías Baixas are examples of Maritime climates

Question 9

define mediterranean climate and give an example

Answer 9

Mediterranean climates have very warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.
They’re usually near or around coastlines.
Southern Rhône and McLaren Vale are examples of Mediterranean climates

Question 10

define high Desert climate and give an example

Answer 10

high Desert climates are hot and arid, particularly during the day, with temperatures plummeting at night.
Leona Valley AVA in California and Cochise County, AZ are examples of High Desert Climates

Question 11

what temperature descriptions are used to further characterise the 4 major climates?

Answer 11

• cool
• moderate
• warm
• hot
• tropical/ Humid
  e. g. Mosel, Germany has a cool continental climate; Elgin, South Africa has cool Maritime climate; and the Southern Rhône has a warm Mediterranean climate

Question 12

what are some factors that influence a region’s climate?

Answer 12

1. diurnal shifts
2. how many hours of sunshine the region gets
3. weather threats

Question 13

what is a diurnal shift?

Answer 13

the change in daytime high temperatures to nighttime low temperatures.
The shift can be just a few degrees, making the diurnal range small; or the shift can be huge, making the diurnal range large.

Question 14

How does the diurnal shift affect grapes?

Answer 14

if the diurnal range is small, the grapes will ripen more quickly;
if the diurnal range is large, the grapes will ripen more slowly.
The ripening speed determines how balanced the accumulated sugar and acidity is within the grapes

Question 15

what is the range of minimum sunshine hours a vine needs during the growing season?

Answer 15

1200-1500 hours minimum, depending on the climate/region.

the average usually ends up being 1300 hours of sunlight

Question 16

what are some weather threats that can affect the health and general survival of a vineyard?

Answer 16

Hail
Frost
Deep winter freezes
Strong wind

Question 17

how can hail affect a vineyard?

Answer 17

hail damages vines by:

• perforating the leaves, rendering them unable to photosynthesise;
• puncturing or destroying berries, making them useless and decreasing that year’s yield;
• damaging the vine with small wounds, into which disease and rot can fester.

Question 18

how does frost affect vines?

At what point in the vine’s annual cycle is frost most dangerous?

Answer 18

Frost is most dangerous at bud burst (March/April in Northern Hemisphere, Sept/Oct in Southern Hemisphere).
How frost affects the vine:
- it can delay budding and flowering (which means the grapes are at risk of not fully ripening);
- new plant material can freeze and die;
- spring frost can decrease the annual yield.

Question 19

how does a deep freeze (either in the spring or winter) affect the vine?

Answer 19

If a freeze is severe, the vines are at risk of being killed

Question 20

how do strong winds affect vineyards?

Answer 20

strong winds can:

• uproot vines
• blow them over
• blow off delicate flowers, which means no grapes will form

Question 21

what are 2 geographical climate moderators?

Answer 21

1. bodies of water

2. mountains

Question 22

what constitutes a body of water?

Answer 22

bodies of water:

• lakes
• rivers
• seas
• oceans

Question 23

how do bodies of water influence climate?

Answer 23

bodies of water can help:
- cool a region
- warm a region
For example, cool Pacific Ocean breezes help moderate the warm temperatures of Sonoma Coast. Alternately, Lake Erie helps keep the Finger Lakes region warm in the autumn by releasing warmth it stored over the summer.

Question 24

how do mountains influence climate?

Answer 24

mountains can provide:

1. Rain shadow
2. Vineyards planted at higher elevation
3. wind/drafts that can have cooling or warming effects on vineyards

Question 25

what is a rain shadow? | Give 2 mountain ranges that provide rain shadow.

Answer 25

A rain shadow is when mountains are at such a high altitude that they block the passage of rain clouds (read: bad weather gets stuck in the mountains) leaving the downwind side with more sunshine and lower cloud clover + precipitation. The Cascade Mountains in Washington State and the Vosges Mountains in Alsace, France both provide rain shadows

Question 26

temperatures drop by one degree for every .... meters in elevation rise

Answer 26

100 meters

Question 27

where are higher altitude vineyards typically found? | Why would a vineyard be planted at higher altitude?

Answer 27

higher altitude vineyards are typically found in warmer/ hotter regions. Higher altitudes provide vineyards cooler temperatures which help keep sugars and acidity in balance

Question 28

what are some beneficial effects of wind on a vineyard?

Answer 28

- helps prevent mild + rot by circulating air - can cool a region, especially if the wind is coming from a cool body of water - can warm a region, especially if the wind is coming from an arid area

Question 29

what 3 topographical features can influence viticulture and climate?

Answer 29

1. Altitude/ elevation - is the vineyard on a hillside or on the valley floor 2. Aspect - which direction is the vineyard facing? Is it getting gentler morning sun or harsher afternoon sun? 3. Proximity to body of water - is there a body of water nearby to moderate temperatures or provide wind?

Question 30

steep hillsides are usually .... fertile than valley floors. why?

Answer 30

less fertile. | hillsides experience more erosion than valley floors.

Question 31

why are valley floors more susceptible to frost than hillsides?

Answer 31

Because cool are collects and stays stagnant on valley floors. Hillsides experience more air flow, thereby decreasing frost risk.

Question 32

When describing which way a vineyard faces -- E/SE, S/SW, etc. --- what term are you using?

Answer 32

Aspect In hot regions like Etna, Sicily, that are closer to the Equator, it makes sense for vineyards to have north or east aspects so that they quality of sun they get is cooler. Conversely, in more northerly latitudes, such as Champagne, it makes sense for vineyards to have south/southwest aspects to take advantage of as much sunshine as possible.

Question 33

the majority of the world's top vineyards are planted on soils that are:

Answer 33

very poor + infertile

Question 34

List the soil types in which most vineyards are planted

Answer 34

``` Granite Limeston/chalk Marl Schist Clay Sand Silt Gravel ```

Question 35

name a region in France known for its granite soils

Answer 35

Beaujolais

Question 36

name a region in France known for its chalky/limestone soils

Answer 36

Champagne

Question 37

name a region in France known for its marl soils

Answer 37

Côtes de Nuits, Burgundy

Question 38

name a region in Portugal known for its schist soils

Answer 38

Douro

Question 39

name the 3 major parts of the grape

Answer 39

skins seeds/pips pulp

Question 40

what characteristics do skins add to wine?

Answer 40

``` Tannins - give astringency Color - from anthocyanins Flavor - aromas are unique to each grape variety ```

Question 41

what do the seeds/pips add to a wine?

Answer 41

- bitterness | - astringency (how much your mouth dries out)

Question 42

what does the pulp of a grape add to wine?

Answer 42

``` Water Sugars - sugar increase as a grape ripens Acids - acids decrease as a grape ripens ```

Question 43

most wines in the world are made with the European vine genus/species .... .... for quality grape production

Answer 43

vitis vinifera

Question 44

name two other grape genus/species used in the wine production

Answer 44

vitis labrusca | vitis riparia

Question 45

approximately how many grape varieties are known within Vitis Vinifera? 1-1000 1000-5000 Upwards of 10,000

Answer 45

Upwards of 10,000 | examples include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Merlot

Question 46

What is the first thing that needs to be considered when planting a grape varietal for a specific vineyard?

Answer 46

Local wine Law | Do local regulations specifically say what can or cannot be planted

Question 47

what other considerations must be made when determining what grape varietal to plant?

Answer 47

1. climate compatibility - will the grape you want to plant ripen where you want to plant it? Or is the climate too warm for the grape you want to plant? 2. Soil compatibility - Does the grape you want to plant perform well in the soil type where you want to plant it?

Question 48

what are 3 terms used for grape breeding?

Answer 48

Hybrids Crosses Clones

Question 49

What is a hybrid?

Answer 49

when 2 or more different species are used to create a new variety. For example, Baco Noir is a crossing of Folle Blanche (V. Vinifera) by an unknown species of V. Riparia

Question 50

why are grape hybrids created?

Answer 50

usually with a specific intention, such as: - pest or disease resistance - increased frost resistance - improved flavor, color, or yield.

Question 51

what are grape crosses?

Answer 51

when vines of the same species are combined to create a new variety. Example: Cabernet France and Sauvignon Blanc were crossed to create Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 52

what are grape clones?

Answer 52

identical reproductions of a vine, usually made by taking cuttings from an existing vine to propagate specific traits.

Question 53

when grapes grow in a cool climate, what are some of the general characteristics they express?

Answer 53

``` Lower alcohol Slow/low sugar accumulation Slower ripening Higher acidity Flavors tend to be tarter, higher toned, under- to just-ripe ```

Question 54

heb grapes grow in a warm climate, what are some of the general characteristics they express?

Answer 54

``` Higher alcohol Higher sugar levels Grapes fully ripen Lower acidity Flavors tend to be juicy, opulent, fully ripe but can lean over-ripe ```

Question 55

what is meant by 'vineyard architecture'?

Answer 55

how vines are arranged within a vineyard

Question 56

what is meant by 'vine spacing'?

Answer 56

how far apart one row of vines is from the next row of vines. Depending on the soil, aspect, elevation and grape varietal, some vine spacing is closing together, to create competition, and some vine spacing is further apart, to give the vines space to root down.

Question 57

what is vine training

Answer 57

training a vine is a way to control production of leaves, shoots, and grapes. Vines need to be trained on a trellis otherwise they'll grow willy-nilly

Question 58

define vineyard yield

Answer 58

yield is the amount of grapes produced in an acre (or hectare) Yield is measured in: - tons/tonnes per acre/hectare - hectoliters per hectare - pound per kilo per vine An average yield is 40-60 hectoliters per hectare

Question 59

what is green harvesting and why is it done?

Answer 59

when extra grape clusters are removed from the vine. Green harvesting is done to balance leaf area and fruit for a crop that's higher in ripeness. after the fruit is dropped, the vine can then concentrate its energy on the clusters that remain, with the aim of making those remaining clusters higher in quality

Question 60

what are 5 key components of vineyard management?

Answer 60

1. Canopy Management 2. Irrigation 3. Pest and Disease 4. Fertilizers 5. Anti-fungal and -bacterial treatments

Question 61

what is canopy management?

Answer 61

canopy management is essentially managing the growth of the green parts of the vine - leaves, shoots, and fruit - to optimise yield and air flow, improve fruit quality, reduce risk of disease, and facilitate future harvest.

Question 62

what is irrigation? | Give 1 example of how a vineyard can be irrigated

Answer 62

``` Providing a vineyard extra water in order to cultivate vines. Ways to irrigate a vineyard: 1. Drip irrigation 2. Flood irrigation 3. Sprinklers ```

Question 63

Name some pest that can affect vines and vineyards

Answer 63

Birds Phylloxera (root louse) Nematodes (microscopic worms)

Question 64

What is phylloxera?

Answer 64

A louse that is native to North America that attacks vines' roots and ultimately kills vines. It first appeared in Europe in the 1860s and nearly decimated European vineyards in the late 19th century. It continues to be a scourge today. North American vine species are more resistant to phylloxera. It is for this reason American rootstocks are widely used across the world.

Question 65

What do fertilisers do?

Answer 65

Fertilizers are meant to boost soil fertility and infuse nutrients into the soil. However, commercial fertilisers are known to be filled with salts and other chemicals which affect a vine's health in myriad ways. Fertilisers can be organic or commercial.

Question 66

How do anti-fungal and anti-bacterial treatments work?

Answer 66

they are applied to vines either via sprays or soil injections to prevent or diminish molds, mildew, and rot and to preserve fruit quality.

Question 67

what is 'harvest'?

Answer 67

when the grapes are picked

Question 68

what are the 2 methods using for harvesting? What are their differences?

Answer 68

1. By hand (aka hand harvesting) - more expensive - labor intensive - slower than machine harvesting 2. With machines (aka mechanical harvesting) - cheaper - faster - machines don't discern between clusters, so there could be more sorting involved and increased possibility of under-ripe or diseased/ sunburned clusters getting into your crop load

Question 69

how does a winegrower determine when to pick their grapes?

Answer 69

they look at the overall grape maturity: Sugar ripeness - how much sugar has accumulated in the grapes Physiological ripeness - how ripe the clusters as a whole has matured Phenolic/ tannin ripeness - maturity of the tannins in the skins and seeds

Question 70

what are 'vineyard passes'?

Answer 70

how many times a winegrower has to go through the vineyard picking only the ripest clusters at east pass, leaving the under-ripe grapes on the vine until they're ready to be harvested.

Question 71

give two examples of when it's really beneficial to machine harvest

Answer 71

1. when you're a day or two out from harvest and a huge rainstorm is coming, which is bad because all that extra rain can dilute the flavours of the grapes; 2. when you have a huge amount of vineyards to harvest and labor is either scarce or too expensive

Question 72

why does the size of the harvesting bin matter?

Answer 72

Small bins allow for more careful selection of grapes so diseased/ under-ripe/damaged clusters don't make it into your crop load; Small bins mean there is less of a chance of puncturing berries, which leak juice and can lead to premature oxidation; Large bins are better for big volumes of commercial wine that don't necessarily require the detailed selection process; Large bins can cause berries to split, losing juice and compromising quality.

Question 73

why are vintages important?

Answer 73

they give insight into the consistency or variation(s) of that particular vintage. When a year's weather is consistently good throughout the growing season, the style of wine produced is classic for that region. However, if the region sees variation(s) from the typical weather, the resulting quality and/or style of wine can be different from what is 'normal' or expected of that region. Some vintage variation threats include wildfires, drought, and excessive rain.

Question 74

what does the term 'terroir' mean?

Answer 74

It loosely means a sense of place. It encapsulates everything that happens in and around a particular region or appellation, from the climate, to topography, to what other crops grown around the vines, to the winegrower's vineyard and winemaking practices.

Question 75

what can regional wine laws dictate?

Answer 75

- which grapes are allowed to be grown and where - how grapes are grown/ trellised - when they're picked - how they are aged

Question 76

what is meant by 'historical background' when discussing region/vineyard/wine?

Answer 76

- what has happened viticultural in that place for generations; - what has been established as best vineyard practises; what grapes grow best in that place; - what styles of wine that place is known for.