Vine Growth & Development
This stage of vine growth occurs in early spring when buds swell and begin to break open.
What is bud break?
The ideal vineyard location, with exposure to sunlight and protection from harsh winds, is known as this.
What is a site’s aspect?
This method of vine training involves tying the vine to a wire trellis system, allowing for better sun exposure and airflow.
What is the VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) system?
This root-feeding insect, which was responsible for the devastation of European vineyards in the late 19th century, remains a major threat today.
What is phylloxera?
This type of soil, rich in nutrients and well-drained, is common in regions like Bordeaux and helps vines produce balanced, structured wines.
What is clay?
This term refers to the average weather conditions in a particular region over a long period of time.
What is climate?
This is the term for the period when the grapevine flowers and is crucial for determining the yield of the vine.
What is flowering?
This factor, which refers to the height above sea level, significantly affects the temperature of a vineyard site.
What is altitude?
This practice involves thinning out excessive shoots and leaves to improve airflow and sunlight penetration within the vine canopy.
What is canopy management?
This disease caused by Plasmopara viticola is a major problem in humid climates, often resulting in yellowing leaves and vine death if left untreated.
What is downy mildew?
This soil type is often found in cooler climates and provides good drainage, but it may require extra irrigation in very dry seasons.
What is sandy soil?
This cool climate phenomenon in regions such as Burgundy or the Loire Valley can delay ripening and may result in wines with higher acidity and lower alcohol content.
What is a continental climate?
During this stage, the vine produces the highest number of leaves and the grapes begin to develop.
What is fruit set?
The presence of this body of water can have a cooling effect on a vineyard, reducing temperature extremes.
What is a lake or river?
This technique involves removing parts of the vine, such as leaves or grape clusters, to reduce yield and enhance the quality of the remaining fruit.
What is green harvesting?
This fungal disease, Botrytis cinerea, can be either beneficial or harmful depending on the weather conditions during ripening.
What is Botrytis or noble rot?
Rich in organic matter, this soil type holds moisture well and is found in many famous wine regions like the Loire Valley and Napa Valley.
What is loam?
This weather phenomenon, such as frost in spring or summer hail, can cause significant damage to the vines and the grape harvest.
What is extreme weather?
The process in which the grapes ripen and accumulate sugars, while the vine’s leaves start to turn yellow and senesce.
What is veraison?
This is the term for the process of assessing a vineyard site’s suitability based on soil composition, climate, and elevation.
What is terroir evaluation?
This practice helps control vine vigor by limiting the amount of water available to the vine, leading to smaller berries and potentially higher-quality fruit.
What is controlled irrigation?
This condition caused by excessive humidity in a vineyard, can cause bunch rot and reduce the quality of the grape harvest.
What is bunch rot or gray mold?
These soils, often rich in minerals and found in many cool regions, help to regulate vine temperatures and retain heat.
What are limestone soils?
This type of climate, typically found in Mediterranean regions, is known for hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
What is a Mediterranean climate?
This term refers to the physiological process in which the vine shuts down the flow of water to the grapes, signaling the onset of maturity.
What is maturation?
This term describes a vineyard located on a slope, which helps improve drainage and sun exposure.
What is a hillside vineyard?
This is the technique of cutting back the vine after the harvest to encourage proper bud development for the following growing season.
What is pruning?
This chemical method of controlling pests and diseases in the vineyard involves the use of substances that specifically target pests without harming the vines.
What is vineyard sanitation?
Known for being poor in nutrients and allowing vines to struggle, these soils can produce wines with intense flavor and concentration.
What is gravel or stony soil?
This is the general temperature range, in degrees Celsius, that grapevines require for optimal growth and ripening.
What is 16°C to 22°C (60°F to 72°F)?