Grape-Growing and Related Terminology Flashcards
When do vines produce flowers?
Spring
How are vines usually pollinated?
Wind
What is fruit set?
The point where a flower becomes a grape after being pollinated and beginning to grow larger
What is the name for the point at which the grapes have grown large enough to begin ripening and changing color? When does this occur?
Véraison; occurs in mid-summer
As ripening progresses acidity _____ and sugar _____.
Acidity drops, sugar increases
Where are tannins found in a grape?
Mostly skin, also seeds and stems
What effect does botrytis have on grapes?
Creates tiny holes in the skin that allow water to escape, concentrating the flavors, sugar, and acid in the grapes
What conditions are ideal for botrytis-affected grapes?
Damp, misty mornings with warm, dry afternoons
How does freezing grapes concentrate their flavor?
Water becomes ice crystals which can be pressed and extracted out; remaining liquid becomes super concentrated
What temperature range constitutes a cool climate?
62 degrees or below
What temperature range constitutes a moderate climate?
62 to 65 degrees
What temperature range constitutes a warm climate?
65 to 70 degrees
In which latitude range do most vineyards exist?
30 to 50 degrees North or South of equator
How is yield measured?
Number of grapes produced per unit of area
Why is yield control important to quality winemaking?
If yield is too high flavors will be diluted; if yield is too low crop will not be commercially viable
What are GIs? How do they differ in the EU vs. outside of it?
Geographical indications - legally defined vineyard areas; in the EU they have strict regulations that influence how wide can be made; outside the EU these regulations do not exist or are nowhere near as strict
What do GIs/PDOs regulate?
What varietals can be grown and used in wine and how that wine can be made
How do PGIs and PDOs differ?
PDOs represent smaller areas and are more tightly regulated
What does PDO stand for?
Protected Designation of Origin
What does PGI stand for?
Protected Geographical Indication
Why are older vines desirable?
They produce less grapes and as a result those grapes are more concentrated in flavor
What does Vieilles Vignes mean?
French for Old Vines
What qualities would you expect from Late Harvest grapes?
Higher sugar, more flavor concentration, riper flavors
What does Vendanges Tardives mean?
Late Harvest
