FACTORS INFLUENCING/AFFECTING CHARACTER OF GRAPE/WINE

The characteristics of a type of grape vary from vineyard to vineyard and country to country. The character of grape or wine is depend on the following factors:

1. Type of soil

2. Grape variety

3. Climate

4. Latitude

5. Aspect

6. Viticulture

7. Vinification

8. Ageing

9. Storing

10. Transportation

TYPE OF SOIL

The ground water and mineral content of soil determines the composition of acids and other trace minerals which influence the aroma of wine.

GRAPE VARIETY

Each grape variety has a distinct aroma and other features which play a vital role in determining the kind of wine to be produced.

CLIMATE

The extremes of sun shine, hail storm, wind, frost, rain etc., can damage the grape. The climate can be a blessing or curse for the grapes. The climate temperature should not be below 10⁰C. The ideal average temperature is 14⁰C.

LATITUDE

Most wine producing countries lies between 30⁰ and 50⁰ Latitude. Countries those are having 30⁰ latitude produce low quality wines and countries having 50⁰ latitude produce better quality wines.

ASPECT/SLOPE OF VALLEY

Vineyards on the slopes of valley are normally preferred as the frost will roll down. The slopes facing south normally produces good quality wine due to longer exposure to sun shine compared to north facing slopes.

VITICULTURE

In every stage of viticulture – ploughing, pruning,  weeding, spraying, harvesting, etc.,  happen at a particular month of the year considering the weather. Any delay in the schedule will influence the character of the wine. For e.g. late harvesting means more sugar content.

VINIFICATION

It refers manufacturing process of wine. The wine produced in new world uses latest technology while traditional wine making countries follow the old methods of making wine. The time allowed for fermentation, temperature maintained during the fermentation, type of yeast used, and maturation containers etc, determine the character of the wine.

AGEING

The longer the wine matured, the mellower and smoother will be the wine, taking the flavor of vanillin from the wood.

STORING

Wines must be stored at appropriate temperature and in the rooms free from direct sun light and vibration.

TRANSPORTATION

Bottles should be transported and handled carefully during the transit.