Evaluate the potential risks and rewards of choosing to plant ungrafted vines. (2023, Q5)

Question 1

Why do some argue that ungrafted vines enhance terroir expression?

Answer 1

Without a rootstock barrier, vines absorb nutrients and water more directly, leading to a purer expression of soil characteristics

Question 3

Which two wine regions are known for using ungrafted vines due to terroir expression?

Answer 3

• Santorini (Greece): Ungrafted Assyrtiko vines show high aromatic complexity and strong minerality from volcanic soils.

•	Itata (Chile): Ungrafted País vines produce distinct flavors lost in grafted versions

Question 4

How might ungrafted vines be more resistant to trunk diseases?

Answer 4

The absence of a graft union eliminates a potential entry point for infections, making them less prone to fungal diseases.

Question 5

The absence of a graft union eliminates a potential entry point for infections, making them less prone to fungal diseases

Answer 5

Grafting increases initial planting costs and labor requirements. In regions like Patagonia (Argentina), where Phylloxera is absent, growers avoid these extra expenses

Question 6

What is the greatest risk of planting ungrafted vines?

Answer 6

High susceptibility to Phylloxera, a root-feeding pest that destroys vines.

Question 7

What historical example shows the devastating impact of Phylloxera on ungrafted vines?

Answer 7

In the 1980s, California’s Napa Valley suffered vineyard losses due to AXR-1 rootstock, which was mistakenly believed to be resistant

Question 8

Why do ungrafted vines struggle with climate and soil adaptability?

Answer 8

Without rootstocks tailored for drought, salinity, or poor soils, ungrafted vines cannot adapt as well to extreme conditions

Question 9

Why are most commercial vineyards reluctant to plant ungrafted vines?

Answer 9

Phylloxera risk, climate unpredictability, and replanting costs make them too risky for long-term investment

Question 10

What are the key takeaways regarding planting ungrafted vines?

Answer 10

• Rewards: Terroir purity, less risk of trunk diseases, and potential cost savings.

•	Risks: Phylloxera, limited climate adaptability, and economic losses.

•	Result: Best suited for historic regions or areas naturally protected from Phylloxera.

Question 11

Which three regions successfully grow ungrafted vines today?

Answer 11

• Santorini (Greece) – Volcanic soils prevent Phylloxera spread.

•	Itata (Chile) – No Phylloxera presence, preserving old País vines.

•	Patagonia (Argentina) – Cold climate limits pest survival

Question 12

Why is grafted vine usage expected to remain dominant in global viticulture?

Answer 12

Climate change, disease risk, and rootstock adaptability make grafted vines the more secure option for vineyard longevity.

Question 13

What historical event shifted global viticulture from ungrafted to grafted vines?

Answer 13

The phylloxera crisis of the 1860s–1890s

Question 14

How do ungrafted vines recover differently from frost damage?

Answer 14

They can regenerate from basal buds since the roots and shoots are the same variety, unlike grafted vines where the rootstock regrows.

Question 15

What is the hypothesis about terroir expression in ungrafted vines?

Answer 15

Without a graft union, vines may absorb water and minerals more directly, enhancing soil and varietal expression.

Question 16

How do ungrafted vines contribute to heritage branding?

Answer 16

They are often linked to pre-phylloxera winegrowing traditions, offering a story of authenticity and rarity.

Question 17

Give an example of a wine that leverages ungrafted vine status in its branding.

Answer 17

Casa Castillo “Pie Franco” Monastrell or Quinta do Noval’s “Nacional” Port.

Question 18

What term is used in Spain or Italy for wines from ungrafted vines? In french?

Answer 18

“Pie Franco” (Spanish) or “Piede Franco” (Italian), meaning “own foot.” Franc de pied in french

Question 19

Define “ungrafted vines”

Answer 19

Vines grown on their original Vitis vinifera roots without being grafted onto rootstock.

Question 20

Why are rootstocks typically made from American vine species?

Answer 20

These species co-evolved with phylloxera and developed natural resistance to the louse, unlike Vitis vinifera.

Question 21

How do rootstocks contribute beyond phylloxera resistance? (list 3 examples)

Answer 21

1. Adaptation to specific soil pH or salinity
   
   2. Control of vine vigor and yield
   3. Enhanced drought resistance

Question 22

Name two famous European vineyards that still include ungrafted vines.

Answer 22

• Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (sandy soil)
• Bollinger’s “Vieilles Vignes Françaises” vineyard in Champagne

Question 23

How does grafting increase establishment costs in the vineyard?

Answer 23

It requires nursery grafting, labor, specialized materials, and often longer preparation time before planting.

Question 24

Why are own-rooted vines considered more resilient in the face of winter trunk damage?

Which US region historically took advantage of these frost-regeneration traits?

Answer 24

First because without the union, there is less risk of damage (the union is a weak point) and because shoots can regrow from basal buds, as the root and trunk are of the same plant, unlike grafted vines where regrowth may come from unwanted rootstock.

Washington State, where winter damage is possible and own-rooted vines were widely planted.

Question 25

In cold climates, what costly vineyard practices are avoided by using own-rooted vines?

Answer 25

Hilling soil over graft unions or burying spare canes for frost protection.

Question 27

Is there hard scientific evidence supporting the idea of better terroir expression in ungrafted vines?

Answer 27

No – most evidence is anecdotal and lacks rigorous scientific backing.

Question 28

What disease risks are reduced or avoided by planting ungrafted vines?

Answer 28

• Graft incompatibility • Transmission of graft-related viruses (leafroll, fanleaf, red blotch) • Graft-induced crown gall at the union

Question 29

What is crown gall and why is grafting a risk factor?

Answer 29

A bacterial disease (Agrobacterium vitis) that often infects through wounds; grafting creates a wound point for infection.

Question 30

Why do ungrafted vines offer strong marketing value?

Answer 30

Their rarity, historical significance, and perceived authenticity allow producers to differentiate and command premium pricing.

Question 31

Give an example of a wine that uses “Pie Franco” on its label.

Answer 31

Casa Castillo’s “Pie Franco” Monastrell from Jumilla, Spain.

Question 32

What famous Port wine is produced exclusively from ungrafted vines?

Answer 32

Quinta do Noval’s “Nacional” Vintage Port, made from a small parcel of own-rooted vines.

Question 33

Why is the storytelling aspect powerful for ungrafted vines?

Answer 33

It evokes historical continuity, purity of vine heritage, and pre-industrial winegrowing—appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.

Question 34

In what segment of the wine market are ungrafted wines most effective commercially?

Answer 34

Among sommeliers, collectors, and connoisseurs who value history, uniqueness, and authenticity.

Question 35

Why is ungrafted vine marketing less common in Chile despite its prevalence there?

Answer 35

Because ungrafted vines are the norm in Chile, not a rarity—so the selling point isn’t as distinctive.

Question 36

What happened in Marlborough (NZ) when phylloxera arrived?

Answer 36

Ungrafted vineyards planted in the 1970s had to be fully replanted with grafted vines after phylloxera appeared in the 1990s.

Question 37

What historical rootstock failure in California illustrates the risk of pest-susceptibility?

Answer 37

AXR1 rootstock, believed resistant, failed in the 1980s when phylloxera Type B emerged, forcing massive replanting in Napa.

Question 38

Besides phylloxera, what other soil pest threatens own-rooted vines?

Answer 38

Nematodes, particularly root-knot nematodes, which damage roots and spread viruses.

Question 39

Why are nematodes a particular risk in sandy soils?

Answer 39

Sandy soils deter phylloxera but are ideal environments for nematodes.

Question 40

What viruses are commonly spread by nematodes?

Answer 40

Fanleaf virus and other soil-borne grapevine viruses.

Question 41

What is lime-induced chlorosis?

Answer 41

Iron deficiency in high-pH calcareous soils, which stunts growth; vinifera roots are especially vulnerable.

Question 42

What is a practical reason why most new vineyards—even in phylloxera-free areas—are grafted today?

Answer 42

Long-term security, soil adaptability, and consistency outweigh the niche benefits of ungrafted planting.

Question 43

Why is Chile one of the few major wine-producing countries with mostly ungrafted vines?

Answer 43

Its geographic isolation (Andes, desert, Pacific) has kept phylloxera out, allowing vines to be grown on original vinifera roots.

Question 44

Why has South Australia remained phylloxera-free?

Answer 44

Strict quarantine measures and geographic isolation from affected regions.

Question 45

How did Colares (Portugal) protect its vines from phylloxera?

Answer 45

Colares is a wine producing region on the coast, nearby Lisbon. Extremely sandy soils prevented phylloxera infestation.

Question 46

What makes Santorini’s vineyards phylloxera-resistant?

Answer 46

Volcanic, pumice-rich soils which phylloxera cannot survive in.

Question 47

What modern producer in Bordeaux planted ungrafted vines to recreate pre-phylloxera wines?

Answer 47

Loïc Pasquet of Liber Pater.

Question 48

Why were many of Washington State’s vines ungrafted until recently? What prompted a shift toward grafting in Washington?

Answer 48

Cold winters and initial phylloxera absence allowed growers to use own-rooted vines successfully. Phylloxera was confirmed in the 2010s, raising concerns about vineyard longevity and triggering replanting efforts.

Question 49

In what vineyard contexts might planting ungrafted vines be a reasonable choice?

Answer 49

Phylloxera-free sandy soils Boutique producers seeking uniqueness Areas with low pest pressure and ideal vinifera-friendly soils

Question 50

Why is the risk of ungrafted vines often considered asymmetric?

Answer 50

The upside is modest and niche, while the downside (phylloxera infestation) is potentially catastrophic and irreversible.

Question 51

What long-term developments could potentially change the risk calculus for ungrafted vines?

Answer 51

• Breeding of phylloxera-resistant Vitis vinifera • Effective biocontrol methods for phylloxera • Better virus detection and prevention in vine propagation

Question 52

What is a strong MW exam-style concluding position?

Answer 52

Ungrafted vines present legitimate rewards, but only in specific low-risk contexts. The global shift to grafted vines is justified by practicality and resilience, making ungrafted vines a niche choice for experienced growers with clear objectives and mitigation plans.