🌿 Rootstock

A rootstock is the root part of a grafted vine. Today almost all European vineyards grow on grafted vines: a Vitis vinifera variety on top and the roots of another grape species below, usually American. Such roots are not harmed by phylloxera.

Phylloxera is a tiny aphid-like insect that destroyed huge numbers of European vineyards in the 19th century. This event is called the Great French Wine Blight. Grafting was the way out: the European scion was joined to the roots of American species. Many rootstocks are based on Vitis riparia and Vitis rupestris, and Vitis berlandieri is used for limestone soils.

The rootstock affects vigour, drought tolerance and tolerance of lime in the soil. The taste of the wine is set by the scion, that is, the variety itself. Rootstocks are chosen to suit the soil and climate of the plot. A rootstock can also be chosen to make the vine grow less or more vigorously. Young vines are sold already grafted and ready to plant.