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Viticulture
Viticulture
INTRODUCTION
In this module, we will introduce the basic terms and concepts of viticulture the science of fine wine grape growing. We will also cover the annual life cycle of the vine and exactly what a grape vine needs to thrive and survive during the growing season. Remember, the growing season is in opposite months in the Southern Hemisphere.
MODULE OBJECTIVES
In this module you will learn: The basic terms and concepts of viticulture the science of grape growing The anatomy of a wine grape and grape vine An introduction to the annual life cycle of the vine
WHAT IS VITICULTURE
Viticulture is the branch of agriculture that involves the science of grape growing. It has been said that wine is the second oldest beverage after water; and grapes have been cultivated for the purpose of winemaking for thousands of years.
It is only within the last century that grape growing has become elevated to its current status that is a combination of science and art.
Leaf
Node Cane/Arm Trunk Soil line
Roots
DORMANCY: WINTER
While the vines are dormant during winter, most of the work in the vineyard involves pruning or cutting back the canes leaving a few buds for the next seasons growth.
Weeping is the first sign of the new growing season, and takes place in: February for the Northern Hemisphere August for the Southern Hemisphere At that time, the soil temperature rises to 50, warm enough for the vine roots to begin to collect water. Then sap rises up through the vine and oozes from the cane ends which have been pruned during the winter. Pruning for spring growth continues at this time but the vines are very vulnerable to early spring frosts which can freeze and kill the new buds.
BUD-BREAK-SPRING
In spring, bud-break takes place some 2030 days after the vine starts to weep. The exact date varies with different grape varieties. MarchApril in the Northern Hemisphere SeptemberOctober in the Southern Hemisphere During bud-break the first new growth of the season appears. At this time spring pruning continues and the vines are secured to training wires. Aerating the soil is another important vineyard activity and the threat of frost continues.
Spraying, summer pruning, and weeding all continue in the vineyard at this time.
The seeds of the grapes also begin to mature as well as the tannins.
In the vineyard spraying and weeding continues. Leaf pulling and canopy management (trimming the leaves of the vine to make sure the grapes receive enough sunlight to fully ripen) also takes place.
With the first hard frost, grapes for ice wine are harvested. With the arrival of winter, the growing season begins again with dormant pruning.
REVIEW
You should now have a good understanding of: The basic terms and concepts of viticulture