Planting Grapes
Role of Vine Spacing in Planting Grapes
Vine spacing
is used to control yields when planting grapes in the vineyard. When vines are spaced closer together, they are more stressed from competing over limited resources. Spacing them further apart generally gives them more wind and sun exposure. But canopy management and trellises also play a role planting grapes.
The Role of Grafting in the Vineyard
In response to the devastation of phylloxera during the mid 19th century, vintners began to graft Vitis vinifera cuttings onto Native American rootstocks. Grafting not only gave vintners a robust vine but also produced grapes that were suited for fine wine production. This process is a major step in planting grapes.
The use of Rootstocks in Planting Grapes
Different rootstocks vary as much as the many distinct varietals that exist. Grape cuttings are matched and grafted to different rootstocks very carefully. They are able to resist disease, their soil preference, yields and quality are all subject to a good match.
Use of Clones in the Vineyard
Different clones of a single varietal will produce wines with different aromas and flavors. They adapt for many reasons and because of many different stimuli. These can include a region’s climate and weather patterns, soil type or local pests.
Role of Cross Pollination in Planting Grapes
Cross pollination occurs between different varietals of the same grape species. For example, two Vitis vinifera varietals can cross pollinate to form a new grape. Sometimes it is used when planting grapes and other times its not.
Use of Hybrids in the Vineyard
In contrast to cross pollination, hybrids occur when two different grape species are crossed. Most were developed to combat phylloxera by blending the DNA of delicate Vitis vinifera varietals with robust Native American grapes. As grafting techniques and rootstock selections have became more sophisticated, hybrids have become less important in combating phylloxera.
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