HORT 416 Exam 1 Review Guide

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Questions and Answers

When did wine become important to civilization?

Dates back to about 6000 years ago

Why did wine become important to civilization? (Select all that apply)

Is safer to drink than water (correct)

It is expensive to produce

Lasts a long time (correct)

It preserves itself naturally (correct)

Describe some of the technology incorporated into the winemaking process that is still used today.

Corks, Barrels/Oaked, Pressing

What are the grapevine growing requirements? (Select all that apply)

Soil pH of 5.0-8.0 Signup and view all the answers

What is the single most important factor in the taste and style of wine?

The types of grapes used to make the wine Signup and view all the answers

What types of grapes are used for winemaking?

European Grapes (e.g., Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay), Hybrid Grapes, Muscadine Grapes, Labrusca Grapes Signup and view all the answers

What is Vitis labrusca?

A native North American grape-growing species used by some winemakers, mainly in challenging climates. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Cultivar?

A taxon selected for a particular attribute, clearly distinct and stable when propagated. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Variety?

Natural variations that are true to type and often reproduce naturally. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Varietal Wine?

A wine made entirely or mostly with a single grape variety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Cultivar and Variety?

Cultivar is a cultivated variety, while variety is a natural phenomenon. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Clone?

A reproduction of a vine with distinctive traits of its parent vine. Signup and view all the answers

Define Propagation.

The breeding of specimens of a plant that require no seed planting. Signup and view all the answers

Define Grafting.

A technique used to secure a vine to a different vine or rootstock. Signup and view all the answers

Who was T.V. Munson?

Thomas Volney Munson, known for his contributions to grape breeding and viticulture. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Importance of Wine in Civilization

Wine's significance dates back approximately 6000 years.
It naturally preserves itself, lasts a long time, and is safer to drink than water.

Winemaking Technology

Corks: Derived from cork oak, used to seal bottles since around 3000 B.C.
Barrels/Oaking: Oaking enhances wine flavor, particularly in red wines, without traditional barrel aging.
Pressing: Grapes are pressed post-crushing; "Press Wine" contains more color and tannins than free-run juice, often blended for enhanced structure.

Grapevine Growing Requirements

Requires well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0-8.0.
Needs full sun exposure for 8+ hours daily and low to moderate soil fertility.
A support structure is necessary for optimal growth.

Key Factors in Wine Taste and Style

The primary determinant of wine's taste and style is the grape variety used in production.

Types of Grapes for Winemaking

European Grapes (Vitis Vinifera): Includes varieties like Merlot, Cabernet, and Chardonnay, which constitute over 99% of global grape production.
Hybrid Grapes: Created through cross-pollination of different vine species.
Muscadine Grapes (Muscadinia Rotundifolia): Known for resilience and usage in specific regions.
Labrusca Grapes (Vitis Labrusca): Includes Concord grapes, widely used for jams and juices.

Understanding Vitis Labrusca

A North American grape species, vital in tough climates, famous for its Concord grape.

Cultivars vs. Varieties

Cultivar: A taxon selected for distinct attributes, uniform in propagation, totaling around 5,000 named grape cultivars globally.
Variety: Naturally occurring groups true to type, often misused in wine terminology.

Varietal Wine Definition

A wine predominantly made from a single grape variety, highlighting its unique characteristics.

Difference Between Cultivar and Variety

"Cultivar" refers to human-bred varieties, while "Variety" represents natural occurrences and is considered a spontaneous phenomenon.

Cloning in Viticulture

Clones reproduce vines with traits from the parent vine, generally through cuttings, but can also evolve with environmental changes.

Propagation Overview

Propagation involves breeding plants without seed planting, typically asexual.

Grafting Technique

A method where a vine secures itself to another vine or rootstock, crucial for combining vinifera with phylloxera-resistant American labrusca rootstock.

T.V. Munson's Contribution

Thomas Volney Munson recognized for his exploration of grape varieties, famously stated, "I have found my grape paradise."

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Description

Prepare for your HORT 416 exam with this review guide focused on the history and technology of winemaking. Explore key dates, reasons for wine's significance, and various technologies that have shaped the winemaking process. Ideal for students aiming for a comprehensive understanding of wine's role in civilization.