Viticulture 4 PDF

# VITICULTURE ## LESSON 2 Types of grapes Understanding the types of grapes used and their characteristics is of crucial importance. Vines are broadly divided into three main groups: Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca and hybrid grapes. ### Vitis vinifera (common grapevine) *Vitis vinifera* is a spe...

# VITICULTURE ## LESSON 2 Types of grapes Understanding the types of grapes used and their characteristics is of crucial importance. Vines are broadly divided into three main groups: Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca and hybrid grapes. ### Vitis vinifera (common grapevine) *Vitis vinifera* is a species of vitis native to the Mediterranean region, central Europe, south west Asia, Morocco and northern Iran. *Vitis vinifera* includes two subspecies: *vinifera silvestris* (including wild vines) and *vinifera sativa* (including cultivated vines) which can be divided into Middle Eastern and Mediterranean vines. If not pruned, *Vitis vinifera* can grow up to 10 metres with broad leaves. This grapevine is used for fruit, wine and shade. A single grapevine produces enough new growth every year to cover a walkway or shade above a terrace. It must be pruned regularly, and trained carefully. Grapevines also require full sun, medium water and good drainage. If well cared for, they can remain productive for 50 years or longer. ### Vitis labrusca *Vitis labrusca* is a species of robust and aromatic grape native to North America. It is used as a table grape, winegrape, grape-flavoured soft drinks and jelly. The skin of Concord grapes, which is a variety of the species *Vitis labrusca*, is typically dark blue or purple, and is often covered with a lighter colored bloom which can be rubbed off. Grapes have large seeds and are highly aromatic. It was in 1854 that the Concord variety made its debut, appropriately named after the Massachusetts village of Concord where the first vine of its variety was grown. ## ACTIVITIES ### COMPREHENSION 3 True or False F? 1. *Vitis vinifera* is native to Northern Europe. **F** 2. *Vitis vinifera* should not be pruned. **F** 3. It produces a large quantity of leaves and branches. **F** 4. Drainage is not important. **F** 5. It is productive for a short period of time. **F** 4 Translate the nominal groups and compound nouns given below into Italian. 1. Table grape - *uva da tavola* 2. Wine grape - *uva da vino* 3. Grape-flavoured soft drinks - *bevande analcoliche al gusto d'uva* 4. Commercial grape production - *produzione commerciale di uva*