Intro to grape growing/Viticulture Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is viticulture?
Grape growing; Factors from nature plus decisions made in the vineyard by people that affect wine quality
What are the factors that affect wine style and wine quality?
Location/Geography, Climate, topography/aspect, soil, grape varieties planted, viticulture practices, yearly weather (vintage), harvest, historical background, and regional wine law.
What goes into location and geography?
site selection, producer goals, regional laws, and financial considerations
What is the definition of climate?
Definition: the composite or prevailing weather conditions in an area in general or over a long period of time
What all goes into the climate in an area?
Temperature, humidity, air pressure, rainfall, sunshine, cloudiness, wind, and other atmospheric elements are all factors and remain relatively stable from year to year.
What is a macroclimate?
the climate of an area like a wine region
What is a mesoclimate?
the climate of a vineyard
What is a microclimate?
the climate around a single vine
Where is the latitudinal winegrowing zones?
30-50 degrees
What are the different factors and moderators that affects a climate?
Diurnal shifts, sunshine hours, bodies of water, altitude, rain shadow effect, and threats (frost, hail, and wind)
What goes into topography?
Surface features of land, local elevation or altitude, vine yard features (slopes, steep hillsides, and valley floors)
What are some common soil types?
granite, limestone, chalk, marl, schist, clay, sand, and gravel
What are different soil properties?
drainage or water retention, sun reflection, nutrient content, temperature regulation, pest resistance
Where is Vitis vinifera native to?
Mediterranean, Europe, southwestern Asia
What are some common examples of Vitis Vinifera?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah
How are grape varieties chosen?
Regional wine law, climate compatibility, soil compatibility, and marketability
What goes into vineyard architecture?
Vine spacing, vine training, vineyard orientation, aspects (the degree and direction of vineyard slope), terracing
What goes into vineyard management?
canopy management, green harvest, irrigation, managing pest and disease
