UK Flashcards
(16 cards)
What are the style and quality characteristics of Great Britain sparkling wine?
Great Britain sparkling wine features apple and lemon notes, high acidity, medium alcohol, and light to medium body. The quality is generally very good, with some outstanding examples.
Price ranges from premium to super-premium.
What factors affect temperature and sunlight for UK vineyards?
• All UK vineyards lie above 50°N latitude
• Long daylight hours + cool, maritime climate ideal for traditional method sparkling wine
• Average GST rose from 13°C (mid-20th c.) to 14°C (21st c.) — still cool but more viable
• Slow ripening = slow sugar build-up, good acidity, medium-intensity fruit
• South East England: ⅔ of all UK vineyards
• Southern England: 85% of all UK wine production
• Vineyards also found in Wales and other UK regions
How does climate warming affect UK grape production?
Climate warming has helped producers ripen fruit more consistently, raising quality, but has also led to extreme weather events, increasing the risk of frost damage and affecting yields.
Example: 2012 had the wettest June for 100 years.
average GST from 13°C (55°F) in the middle of the last century, marginal for successful commercial grape growing, to 14°C (57°F) in this century, still cool but less marginal.
What are the hazards faced by UK vineyards?
maritime climate = rain and cool temperatures in June and July
can affect flowering and fruit set and can drastically reduce yields
extreme example: 2012 had the wettest June for 100 years.
Some top estates picked no fruit,in general, yields were down
rain during the harvest month of October can be a threat to quality.
What pest and disease management strategies are used in UK vineyards?
Timely spraying against fungal diseases is crucial, along with managing financial risks from yield fluctuations.
What considerations are important in vineyard establishment in the UK?
Site selection should focus on south-facing slopes for sunlight exposure and shelter from prevailing winds (coming from SW). strong winds and rain can hinder flowering and fruit set and disperse heat. Former apple orchards or hop fields with aspects other than south may be preferred if they offer shelter.
Good drainage is essential - avoid regularly wet soils and root zone
best sites are either naturally free draining or will need to have drainage installed, which adds to cost.
and altitude should be below 125 m above sea level.
What are the considerations for managing nutrients and water in UK vineyards?
Soil types vary across southern England
Clay in Kent and parts of Sussex
high water-holding capacity and fertility
Clay give slightly lower acidity and more pronounced fruit
Sussex and Hampshire - significant amounts of chalk
often claimed to be a key quality factor as in Champagne
good drainage and lower fertility
chalk tend to be on slopes at higher elevations, making them more vulnerable to adverse weather.
chalk can give more finesse, but with higher acidity and a leaner body
What are the considerations in canopy management and harvest in UK vineyards?
Thin canopies are important for air and light penetration, reducing disease pressure. Yields are variable due to the cool climate, with average yields modest at 25 hL/ha.
What are the winemaking options for UK sparkling wine production?
Most sparkling wines are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, using traditional methods. Malolactic conversion is common to reduce acidity, and time on the lees must be at least 9 months.
What grape varieties are permitted for English PDO?
Six varieties are allowed: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Précoce, Meunier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris.
What are the requirements for Sussex PDO sparkling wine?
Sparkling Sussex PDO must be made from grapes grown in the region, predominantly from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and/or Meunier, and by the traditional method.
What is the current state of the UK wine industry?
The UK wine industry is in an early stage of development, with plantings rapidly increasing. Significant producers include Nyetimber and Wiston Estate.
How is UK wine consumed?
Virtually all UK wine is consumed in England, with only 8% exported. One-third is sold at the cellar door, and prices are in the premium and super-premium ranges.
What challenges does the UK wine industry face?
financial: fluctuations in yields from year to year, though such fluctuations are becoming easier to deal with as most producers can now work with 4–5 years of stock
helps producers cope with poor years and good years.
Convince Champagne buyers
What is WineGB?
industry body recently rebranded itself
seeks to act as a point of reference for, and to represent vineyard owners and producers in technical services, regulation, marketing and education
how increased risk of frost damage is countered?
- late pruning
- bougees
- planting on slopes
