Terrior
In Willamette Valley vines are not planted below what altitude?
200'
Volcanic soils are often associated with what type of tannins?
Bitter
Briefly describe vineyard zoning.
By utilizing geology, geomorphology (how the land is shaped by the geology) and pedology (study of soils) vineyard owners can now acquire soil maps at high resolutions to help decide which land to buy, how to modify the land and exactly where to plant. This process is VERY expensive.
List two viticulture "tricks" used to combat natural disadvantages.
Canopy management and controlled irrigation
Higher altitudes generally equate to what? Site an example.
Cooler average temperatures. Salta, Argentina
What two things rather than precise chemical composition are key to perfect soil for great wine?
Drainage and water availability
How far do the roots of Petrus and St. Emilion Chateau Ausone penetrate?
Due to the clay soils of both areas: Petrus- No deeper that 4.3' Ch. Ausone- 6.6' on the slope and 1.3' on the plateau
Describe terrior at its most restrictive.
Embraces the soil itself, the subsoil and rocks beneath it, its physical and chemical properties and how they interact with the local climate or macroclimate to determine both the mesoclimate of a particular vine. This includes how quickly land drains, whether it reflects sunlight or absorbs heat, its elevation, its degree of slope, its orientation to the sun, whether it is close to a cooling of sheltering forest or a warming lake, river or the sea.
In Bordeaux in the 1960's-70's who was notable for studying the soil and what were his findings?
Gerard Seguin studies fo the Medoc showed that the very best soils were not particularly fertile and drained quickly and deeply, drawing the roots to great depths, up to 23' in Margaux
Briefly describe effects on vines having poor access to water.
Photosynthesis virtually stops Vine will shut down and respire (use up) energy that should be used for ripening Sugar concentration increases only due to evaporation of water from the berries Few interesting flavour compounds are formed Tannins do not ripen Resulting wine is usually harsh, unripe tannins, less intense flavours and unstable colours
What is Bordeaux's Cornelius van Leeuwen notable for?
Soil depth is not as important as water availability
What are all terroirs dependent on and list an example.
Terroirs are dependent on man and his money for their expression. An example: Chateau Margaux's performance between 1966-1978 when the owner could not afford to maintain the vineyard in the style it merited.
Simple definition of terroir.
Total natural growing enviroment
What is the single most important aspect of terroir?
Water and nutrients
Granite soils often produce what types of wines?
Wines with dry tannins