Download - Section I: The Fundamentals of Wine
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Section I: The Fundamentals Section I: The Fundamentals of Wineof Wine
Chapter 2: The Vineyard – From Soil to Harvest
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IntroductionIntroduction
Quality of a wine is determined in the vineyard as much as in the winery.
Wine grapes are grown primarily for flavor Factors influencing the character of grapes:
• Environmental• Cultural
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Grapes Used for WinemakingGrapes Used for Winemaking
Majority of world’s wine is produced from grapes Most wines produced from Vitis vinifera Variation exists within a single grape variety. Clones are genetically identical to original vine.
• Different clones have different flavors. In Eastern US, Concord and Scuppernong grapes are
grown. Late 1800s
• Europeans imported native American grapes.• Several grape pests and diseases introduced to Europe.• Grafting technique developed
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Soil and SiteSoil and Site
Ground is the most fundamental aspect of vineyards.
Qualities of soil affect character of wines. Grapevines can grow in different soil
conditions.
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Parameters of a Soil’s MakeupParameters of a Soil’s Makeup
Parent material or rock Size of the particle Chemical composition and pH (acidity) Organic matter and nutrients Depth
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Characteristics of SoilCharacteristics of Soil
Ratio of sand, silt and clay High proportion of clay (Heavy)
• Great capacity to hold water• Generally contain more nutrients
Sandy soils (Light)• Hold less water• Usually lower in nutrients
Mixture of clay, silt and organic matter (Loam)• Fertile, drains well
Mixture of silt, sand, loam and gravel (Alluvial)
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Soil NutrientsSoil Nutrients
Grapevines need enough nutrients for healthy growth.
Minerals have limited direct effect on flavor of grapes.• Too high = toxic• Too low = deficient
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A Vineyard’s TopographyA Vineyard’s Topography
Elevation, slope and orientation as important as soil
Hillside vineyards• Have better drainage • Susceptible to erosion and wind damage
Winterkill = death of vine tissue from excessive cold.
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TerroirTerroir
French term describing environmental factors on a given vineyard
Holistic philosophy including:• Composition• Drainage• Mineral content• Topography• Direction of slope• All climatic conditions
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ClimateClimate
Climate has potentially greater influence than soil. Grape varieties are suited to diverse climates. Grapevines do best in temperate zones. Grapes require adequate rainfall or irrigation. Grapevines are often grown in coastal areas. Macroclimate = broad weather conditions of a
particular wine-growing region Mesoclimate = local conditions Microclimate = climate surrounding a particular
vine
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Techniques of Grape GrowingTechniques of Grape Growing
Site must be well-chosen and prepared for planting.
Number of options for trellising Sun efficiency for ripening grapes A vineyard’s vigor relates to yield
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The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season
Budbreak Bloom Véraison Harvest Dormancy
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BudbreakBudbreak
Northern Hemisphere begins between Feb and April.
Southern Hemisphere begins between Aug and Oct. Vines end winter dormancy Buds formed during previous year’s growing season
begin to swell. Growing shoots are susceptible to diseases and
frost. Field workers trellis vines at 18 inches to keep them
growing in the proper direction.
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BloomBloom
Eight weeks after budbreak, grapevines bloom. Self-pollinating; do not require bees for
fertilization Fertilized grape flowers develop into berries.
• Non-fertilized flowers “shatter” (drop off) Shoot continue growing after bloom.
• Fruit clusters enter lag phase. Grower must properly balance water demand.
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VÉRAISON VÉRAISON
The beginning of ripeness Starts mid-late summer (8-10 weeks after
bloom) Shoots approach their maximum length. Dramatic changes in fruit clusters. Grape berries begin to get sweet. 6 to 10 weeks after véraison, the grapes are
ready for harvest.
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HarvestHarvest
Traditional method• Grapes are picked by hand into baskets.• Baskets are carried to the end of the vineyard rows.• Trailers transport grapes to the winery.• Method is very gentle to both fruit and vines.
Mechanical harvesters• Straddle rows of vines and shake them vigorously• Grape clusters are collected and carried to a bin • Can be operated at night
After picking• Grapes are weighed and brought in for processing into wine.
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Organic ViticultureOrganic Viticulture
Growing grapes without any man-made substances
Reasons for doing this:• Belief that it produces healthier, better tasting fruit• Commitment to protecting the environment
Extra handwork makes organic viticulture more expensive.
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Sustainable ViticultureSustainable Viticulture
Vineyard practices do not degrade the fertility of land or the surrounding environment
Promotes agricultural practices that:• Allow the minimal use of pesticides in the vineyard• Use natural mulch• Reduce tilling to pProvides many benefits of organic
farming with less risk to the crop and a lower cost of labor
• reserve the soil
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Biodynamic ViticultureBiodynamic Viticulture
The farm is a holistic entity; it must be managed sustainably so that it’s in harmony with the natural world
Uses practices of sustainable and organic farming
Incorporates spiritual and homeopathic elements
Involves more esoteric and unscientific practices
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Organic WinemakingOrganic Winemaking
Produced and bottled from organically grown grapes
No man-made additives are used in the cellar
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DormancyDormancy
No new growth occurs Much less sensitive to cold weather Pruning is most labor intensive and important
task. Vine must be left in balance.
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Major Grape VarietiesMajor Grape Varieties
Barbera Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Chenin Blanc Gewürztraminer Grenache Malbec Merlot Muscat Blanc Petite Sirah
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Major Grape Varieties (cont.)Major Grape Varieties (cont.)
Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio Pinot Noir Riesling Sangiovese Sauvignon Blanc Syrah/Shiraz Tempranillo Viognier Zinfandel