Viticulture for sparkling Flashcards
(23 cards)
What are the general parameters required for fruit in sparkling wine production?
Low pH, High Titratable Acidity, Low soluble sugars content (lower than for still wines)
Specific targets may vary by region but generally follow these guidelines.
Why is the timing of the harvest crucial in sparkling wine production?
To ensure grapes meet desired parameters like acidity and pH levels
In Champagne, the INAO monitors grape maturity every 3-4 days.
What are the typical target parameters for Champagne?
9% potential alcohol, 12 g/L TA (in tartaric acid), pH 2.9
These targets are essential for quality sparkling wine.
How does regional climate affect the harvest timing for sparkling wine?
The warmer the region, the earlier the harvest to maintain acidity and pH levels.
List key factors in vineyard design and management.
- Site selection (climate, soil, exposure)
- Variety selection
- Clone selection
- Rootstock selection
- Planting density
- Training system
- Canopy management
- Yield management
- Pruning decisions
What is the most important factor affecting quality in sparkling wine?
Climate
Factors include length of growing season, frost risk, solar radiation, and temperature variations.
What adaptability is required in vineyard management?
Management needs to be flexible to respond to climatic variability and mitigate risks.
Why is variety selection significant in sparkling wine production?
It impacts sparkling wine quality as much as vineyard location and yeast autolysis.
What criteria should be considered for variety selection in sparkling wine?
- Suitability to the climate
- Foaming properties of the juice
- Required base wine composition
- Aging aptitude
- Wine style
Name some grape varieties used in Champagne.
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Meunier
What is a Blanc de Blancs wine?
Wine made from white grapes only (e.g., Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc).
What is a Blanc de Noirs wine?
Wine made from dark-skinned grapes only (e.g., Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier).
What are important considerations when selecting rootstock?
- Induce large production
- Regulate scion vigour and grape composition
- Resist nematodes and diseases
- Use water efficiently
What is the traditional planting density in Champagne?
8000 vines/ha
This density stimulates root competition.
What pruning methods are permitted in Champagne?
- Chablis
- Royat
- Guyot
- Vallée de la Marne
What is the ideal yield for sparkling wines compared to still wines?
Higher yield to retain acidity and reduce sugar accumulation.
What effect does early leaf removal have in vineyard management?
Improves flower initiation, air circulation, and can speed up ripening.
What is the impact of late leaf removal?
Can reduce yield, increase colour, degrade malic acid, and enhance fruity characters.
How does fruit thinning affect potential alcohol in Champagne?
Removing 30% of fruit can result in less than a 0.5% increase in potential alcohol.
What defines the quality of sparkling wine?
The measure of success in fulfilling factors important to the target wine style.
What drives the target wine style for sparkling wines?
The demands of the customer.
What are some varied customer demands for sparkling wine?
- Sensorial/Organoleptic
- Purpose/Function
- Technical
- Financial
- Logistical
- Psychological/Sociological Constraints
What is the role of winemaking in sparkling wine production?
A series of interconnected decisions leading to the transformation of grapes into wine.
