π Rupestris du Lot
An old French rootstock from wild Vitis rupestris.
Rupestris du Lot is an old French rootstock bred from the wild American vine Vitis rupestris. A rootstock is the roots onto which a vine of the desired variety is grafted. They are needed because European vines have no protection against phylloxera, a tiny insect that destroyed Europe's vineyards in the 19th century.
American vine species adapted to phylloxera and resist it. So European grapes keep the above-ground part, while the roots are American. Rupestris du Lot was for a long time one of the most widespread rootstocks in France. It grows well in dry soils and gives a vigorous vine.
The name is tied to the Lot dΓ©partement in south-west France, where it was found. The rupestris species also appears in the ancestry of other rootstocks: Richter 110, Ruggeri 140, Paulsen 1103 and Terras 20. They are still widely used in vineyards. Rupestris du Lot belongs to grapes and is tied to French winemaking. Its berries are not used: it serves as a base for other varieties.
How it connects to Wine
π Rupestris du Lot β kind of β π Grape varieties β kind of β π· Wine
Links
- Part of
- π Grape varieties
- Origin
- πΊοΈ French wine
- Offspring
- π Richter 110, π Ruggeri 140, π Paulsen 1103, π Terras 20
Frequently asked questions
What is Rupestris du Lot?
An old French rootstock from the wild American vine Vitis rupestris, onto which wine varieties are grafted.
Why are rootstocks needed?
They protect European vines from phylloxera, an insect that destroys the roots.
Are the berries of Rupestris du Lot used for wine?
No, it is a rootstock: its roots serve as a base for other varieties.
Similar
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