Viticulture of sparkling Flashcards
(28 cards)
What are the general fruit quality goals for sparkling wine?
Low pH, high TA, disease free, lower sugar
Why is harvest date critical in sparkling wine production?
It affects sugar, acidity and Ph
What are the key vineyard design considerations for sparkling wine?
Site, variety, clone, rootstock, planting density
Why is climate the most important factor for sparkling wine vineyards?
It affects maturity/acidity
What are critical climatic risks for sparkling vineyards?
Frost, rain
What are key site selection factors for sparkling wine?
Growing season length, frost risk, wind, water availability, temp and light.
Why must grapes be harvested earlier in warmer regions?
To preserve low pH and high acidity required for sparkling wine style.
Which three factors most affect sparkling wine quality?
Vineyard location
What are the three main Champagne varieties?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot meunier
What varieties are used in Cava?
Macabeo (Viura) Xarel-lo, Parellada, others like Garnacha and Albarino
What sparkling varieties are used in Italy?
Glera, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Lambrusco.
Why is Chardonnay ideal for sparkling?
It gives acidity, freshness, floral and citrus aromas, aging potential, and good foaming.
What are key traits of Pinot Noir for sparkling?
Adds body, berry/vanilla aromas, depth, and complexity; useful for Blanc de Noirs.
Why is Pinot Meunier valued in sparkling?
Consistent yields, ripens early, adds fruitiness, stabilizes blends, good in cold sites.
What’s the difference between Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs?
Blanc de Blancs = white grapes; Blanc de Noirs = black grapes.
Why are clones important for sparkling wines?
They’re selected for high acidity, low tannin/anthocyanins, low disease risk
Which rootstock dominates Champagne?
41B—suitable to many soils
What are other Champagne rootstocks?
SO4,fercal
How can rootstock affect sparkling wine?
It influences vigour, ripening time, disease resistance, and water usage
What training systems are used in Champagne?
Royat, Guyot, and Vallée de la Marne.
Why is planting density high in Champagne?
Traditionally believed to promote maturity and control vigour—though contested.
What are common pruning methods in new world sparkling?
Guyot, spur and vsp
What training systems are used in Italian sparkling?
Sylvoz (Prosecco), Cordon/Spur (Franciacorta), Pergola Trentina (Trento).
Why are yields higher in sparkling wine production?
To retain acidity and reduce sugar accumulation for the desired style.
