🍷 Ampelography

Ampelography is the science of recognising grape varieties by the look of the vine. The word comes from Greek words for vine and description. In the past a variety was identified by leaf shape, bunch structure, berry colour and shape, and young shoots. This was done by specialists called ampelographers.

In the 19th and 20th centuries scientists compiled detailed descriptions of thousands of varieties. One of the best-known ampelographers is the Frenchman Pierre Galet. But appearance can mislead: the same variety looks different on different soils, and different varieties can have similar leaves. So today DNA analysis is added to observation. It has helped to show how varieties are related and to clear up many confusions of names.

Ampelography is tied to the notions of grape variety and grape leaf, by which a variety is often recognised, and to the profession of the ampelographer. It is needed by producers, nurseries and researchers to be sure that the vine planted is really the one claimed.