Local
temperature is probably the most important climatic aspect. While many viticulture
areas tend to be near moderating bodies of water, some continental climates are
also suited to fine wine production. Largely because of this climactic
variable, the length of the growing season varies in different regions.
UC Davis Heat Summation Scale
The
UC Davis heat summation scale measures the temperature of a vineyard in degree
days. It suggests growing certain varietals in five different climates, but
these are only recommendations. Successful growers delve much deeper into the
details of the microclimate before they decide to plant grapes and produce
wine.
Sun Exposure
Red
and white grapes that enjoy a lot of sun exposure tend to make fuller bodied
wines.
Wine grapes need at least 1,400 hours of annual sunlight during the growing season to ripen properly. This is also increases the temp, causing grapes to mature increasing the quality of the wine.
Wine grapes need at least 1,400 hours of annual sunlight during the growing season to ripen properly. This is also increases the temp, causing grapes to mature increasing the quality of the wine.
Fog Exposure
Fog
exposure is one of many factors that influence the temp of a vineyard. It will
moderate extremes, cooling warm days and warming cold nights and mornings. It
is also responsible for botrytis cinerea, or “noble rot.” This aspect of
climate plays a very important role in the finished wine.
Wind Exposure
While
some wind exposure is considered a good thing, excessive amounts can stop the
metabolic process of grapevines and produce unfinished wines. Like other
climactic variables, it has a moderating effect on extreme climates. Some
growers have machines in their vineyards to warm vines on cold, spring
mornings.
Rainfall
The
amount of rainfall wine region receives has a large impact on the type and
quality of the grapes and wine produced. An excessively wet summer can induce
harmful mildew in a vineyard. Additionally, precipitation shortly before
harvest may dilute sugar levels and adversely affect the finished wine, thus
the climate must be right. However, vines need no less than 22 annual inches of
precipitation to survive. As usual, balance is critical.
Humidity
Too
much humidity in the vineyard encourages mildew and disease. But, like other
climatic variables, humidity is responsible for botrytis cinerea. Wines made
with grapes affected by “noble rot” are extremely sweet and have a luscious
feel on the palate.
The vineyard climate has a
very important role on wine grapes and the finished wine. There are many
aspects of climate, and learning about how they affect wine will give you
insight into why certain areas are better than other for wine grape growing.
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