Viticulture is the study of growing grapes for wine, including vine selection, planting techniques, pest and disease management, and harvesting. It aims to manipulate factors such as soil type and irrigation to produce the best quality grapes. Pesticides must be used with care, and green harvesting can improve the final result.
Viticulture is the study of the science of growing grapes, with those used to make wine being the focus. It includes the study of vine selection, watering styles, planting techniques, pest and disease management, optimal harvesting, and more. Anything that can happen to the grape before the winemaking process begins is included in viticulture.
Every aspect of growing grapes has a big impact on the quality of the finished wine. People involved in viticulture are called winemakers and usually work closely with vineyards and winegrowers to secure the finest grapes which will in turn create the best finished wine possible.
There are a number of factors that can affect grape growth, and viticulture seeks to manipulate these to produce the best quality grapes in abundant quantities. It all starts with selecting the right vines, as different types of grapes produce different types of wine. There are often more detailed variations between specific types of grapes that impact the subtle differences in taste and quality commonly found between different versions of the same type of wine.
Planting techniques also have an effect on how the grapes exit, meaning that the same vine grown under different conditions will produce different grapes. Viticulture takes into consideration factors such as soil type, field location, sun exposure, use of vine training systems, and other factors. Along with knowledge of the desired qualities in the grape, a vintner can select and implement specific planting techniques in order to attempt to achieve the desired result. For example, choosing a sloping field over a flat one can optimize the amount of sun the vine receives, as well as ensure better airflow to avoid potential freeze-outs. This will impact the balance of sweetness in the harvested grape.
Viticulture also uses irrigation to affect grape quality. Irrigation is very important, vines need the right amount of water to grow properly. Screws that get too much water will break. The quality of the grapes will be adversely affected if even heavy rains get too close to harvest time. Drainage after watering should also be considered, as soil that is saturated for too long can damage root systems and vines.
Collection techniques can also be used to improve the final result. A technique called green harvesting actually requires picking a number of grapes while they are still small and green. This is thought to allow the vine to have extra energy and resources for the remaining grapes, so they are bigger and tastier, making better wine.
Another vital aspect of viticulture is pest and disease management. There are a number of insects and other pests that attack the vine and can ruin the grapes, however pesticides must be used with care. There are also many diseases such as coulure, which can cause grapes to fall off undeveloped vine, or various types of rot and mildew. Winemakers try to prevent these diseases and minimize the effects when they occur in order to preserve as many grapes as possible to be made into wine.
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