Wine

About Wine

GRAPE GROWING ELEMENTS

CLIMATE - This effects the growing of grapes. Factors are drought, rainfall, frost, amount of sunlight, temperature. Micro-climates within appellations can vary dramatically.

SOIL - Soil can vary greatly within a single vineyard. Different soils will produce different flavors in a particular varietal so it's important to test the soil before planting.

ROOTSTOCK - Different types have different depths to their root system. It takes 5-7 years for a newly planted vine to produce quality fruit. Vines also need to be disease resistant as is the case with phylloxera, a parasitic disease of the root system.

VARIETAL - A wine maker needs to choose the right varietal for all of the above factors. Different varietals thrive in different conditions.

SPACING - The distance between vines is important for many reasons, most importantly, the closer the vines the less production or yield per vine. Also land is very expensive so the more vines per acre may increase the production or yield of the vineyard. Wider spacing is necessary for mechanical harvesting.

TRELLISING - This is the way the canes & leaves are held up. It determines the shade to light to vine ratio.

PRUNING - The more a vine is pruned, the more quality (intensity) of grape and the less quantity will be produced.

IRRIGATION - To little water leaves poor color, bitterness, & raisin qualities. To much water gives diluted flavors, thin tannin & low acidity..