5. Vineyard Establishment Flashcards
(20 cards)
Why is planning important in regards to Vineyard Establishment
Decisions or compromises made during vineyard establishment (due to time or cost) are hard to rectify once the vineyard has been planted
What are the main considerations in Vineyard Establishment
- Site Selection
- Soil preparation
- Planting materials
- Nutrient Management
- Water Management
- Canopy Management
what can the term terroir be used to describe
- physical (cultural/tradition)definition
characteristics that relate the climate, soil, aspect, elevation. (& drainage) - human interventions (winemaking, grape growing)
ei, planting density, type of trellising, Yield limits
what are some of the processes that may result in obscuring terroir?
- picking over-ripe fruit
- over-extraction
- ageing in new oak
What are the logistical, legal and cost factors that should be considered (non natural) when selecting a site?
several logistical, legal and cost factors;
- The price of the land ;
- The location, layout and topography;
- Steep slopes
- access to irrigation
- access to the vineyard site/distance from the winery
- Proximity of the vineyard to towns/cities for labour, supplies, cellar door customers, distribution businesses
-local or national laws;
Key factors to assess prior to planting in relation to soil preparation
- drainage/structure of soil
- mineral (nutrient) composition and pH
- modify the vineyard’s topography
- eliminate unwanted plants or pests,
Structure of the soil has a significant influence on
- Root penetration
- Water Drainage
- Nutrient water holding
- workability
What is subsoiling
Subsoiling the process of breaking down (plough pans) these impervious layer of soil.
Plough pans can form from years of ploughing at the same depth
What are the effects of poorly drained soils
- are cool and take longer to warm up
- restrict root growth
- increase fungal disease
- cause berry swelling and juice dilution
- can interfere with access to the vineyard
Give example of soils where subsoiling would be beneficial
Mallorca’s hard, dry soils illustrate the need for subsoiling. heavy rain compact soils while the summer the heat kills the soil biota
What is the process of mole drainage
- formed by pulling a mole leg with an attached bullet and expander through the soil
- Installed 2-3m apart @ 500mm depth of soil above.
- cracks in the soil form waterways to the tunnel in the ground.
Give an example of when landscaping might be needed for viable viticulture
- Ei. Socalcos Terraces or land embankments are built in steep areas like the Douro Valley to provide flat land for planting. UNESCO heritage sites.
What grape variety yields 4 x as much as Cabernet Sauvignon
Carignan can yield up to 200 hl/ha, 4 x more than Cabernet Sauvignon.
What is the optimal soil pH for grapevines
5.5 to 8.5.
What are the surface interventions in adjusting soil PH
such as applying ammonium fertilisers (especially ammonium sulphate), which lowers pH
or lime, which raises pH
How do Sedimentary rocks form
weathering or erosion of other existing rocks then often settling in sedimentary basin
What rootstocks are tolerant to drought and acidic (low ph soils)
& 110R or 140R, drought tolerant due to deep and quick root growth (140R higher vigour)
99R and 110R are hybrids of V. rupestris and V. berlandieri and exhibit high tolerance to acidic soils (low ph)
What root stock is best for cooler climates with plentiful rainfall
Lower vigour riparia 420A
Between what age is a vine going to produce maximum yeild
10-40
What are the four age categories of old vines as stated by the Barossa Old Vine Charter
- Old vines: 35 years or older
- Survivor vines: 70 years or older
- Centenarian vines: 100 years or older
- Ancestor vines: 125 years or older.
