Evaluate the potential risks and rewards of choosing to plant ungrafted vines. (2023, Q5) Flashcards
Why do some argue that ungrafted vines enhance terroir expression?
Without a rootstock barrier, vines absorb nutrients and water more directly, leading to a purer expression of soil characteristics
Which two wine regions are known for using ungrafted vines due to terroir expression?
• 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
How might ungrafted vines be more resistant to trunk diseases?
The absence of a graft union eliminates a potential entry point for infections, making them less prone to fungal diseases.
The absence of a graft union eliminates a potential entry point for infections, making them less prone to fungal diseases
Grafting increases initial planting costs and labor requirements. In regions like Patagonia (Argentina), where Phylloxera is absent, growers avoid these extra expenses
What is the greatest risk of planting ungrafted vines?
High susceptibility to Phylloxera, a root-feeding pest that destroys vines.
What historical example shows the devastating impact of Phylloxera on ungrafted vines?
In the 1980s, California’s Napa Valley suffered vineyard losses due to AXR-1 rootstock, which was mistakenly believed to be resistant
Why do ungrafted vines struggle with climate and soil adaptability?
Without rootstocks tailored for drought, salinity, or poor soils, ungrafted vines cannot adapt as well to extreme conditions
Why are most commercial vineyards reluctant to plant ungrafted vines?
Phylloxera risk, climate unpredictability, and replanting costs make them too risky for long-term investment
What are the key takeaways regarding planting ungrafted vines?
• 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.
Which three regions successfully grow ungrafted vines today?
• Santorini (Greece) – Volcanic soils prevent Phylloxera spread.
• Itata (Chile) – No Phylloxera presence, preserving old País vines. • Patagonia (Argentina) – Cold climate limits pest survival
Why is grafted vine usage expected to remain dominant in global viticulture?
Climate change, disease risk, and rootstock adaptability make grafted vines the more secure option for vineyard longevity.
What historical event shifted global viticulture from ungrafted to grafted vines?
The phylloxera crisis of the 1860s–1890s
How do ungrafted vines recover differently from frost damage?
They can regenerate from basal buds since the roots and shoots are the same variety, unlike grafted vines where the rootstock regrows.
What is the hypothesis about terroir expression in ungrafted vines?
Without a graft union, vines may absorb water and minerals more directly, enhancing soil and varietal expression.
How do ungrafted vines contribute to heritage branding?
They are often linked to pre-phylloxera winegrowing traditions, offering a story of authenticity and rarity.
Give an example of a wine that leverages ungrafted vine status in its branding.
Casa Castillo “Pie Franco” Monastrell or Quinta do Noval’s “Nacional” Port.
What term is used in Spain or Italy for wines from ungrafted vines? In french?
“Pie Franco” (Spanish) or “Piede Franco” (Italian), meaning “own foot.” Franc de pied in french
Define “ungrafted vines”
Vines grown on their original Vitis vinifera roots without being grafted onto rootstock.
Why are rootstocks typically made from American vine species?
These species co-evolved with phylloxera and developed natural resistance to the louse, unlike Vitis vinifera.
How do rootstocks contribute beyond phylloxera resistance? (list 3 examples)
- Adaptation to specific soil pH or salinity
- Control of vine vigor and yield
- Enhanced drought resistance
Name two famous European vineyards that still include ungrafted vines.
• Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (sandy soil)
• Bollinger’s “Vieilles Vignes Françaises” vineyard in Champagne
How does grafting increase establishment costs in the vineyard?
It requires nursery grafting, labor, specialized materials, and often longer preparation time before planting.
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?
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.
In cold climates, what costly vineyard practices are avoided by using own-rooted vines?
Hilling soil over graft unions or burying spare canes for frost protection.
Is there hard scientific evidence supporting the idea of better terroir expression in ungrafted vines?
No – most evidence is anecdotal and lacks rigorous scientific backing.
What disease risks are reduced or avoided by planting ungrafted vines?
• Graft incompatibility
• Transmission of graft-related viruses (leafroll, fanleaf, red blotch)
• Graft-induced crown gall at the union
What is crown gall and why is grafting a risk factor?
A bacterial disease (Agrobacterium vitis) that often infects through wounds; grafting creates a wound point for infection.
Why do ungrafted vines offer strong marketing value?
Their rarity, historical significance, and perceived authenticity allow producers to differentiate and command premium pricing.
Give an example of a wine that uses “Pie Franco” on its label.
Casa Castillo’s “Pie Franco” Monastrell from Jumilla, Spain.
What famous Port wine is produced exclusively from ungrafted vines?
Quinta do Noval’s “Nacional” Vintage Port, made from a small parcel of own-rooted vines.
Why is the storytelling aspect powerful for ungrafted vines?
It evokes historical continuity, purity of vine heritage, and pre-industrial winegrowing—appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.
In what segment of the wine market are ungrafted wines most effective commercially?
Among sommeliers, collectors, and connoisseurs who value history, uniqueness, and authenticity.
Why is ungrafted vine marketing less common in Chile despite its prevalence there?
Because ungrafted vines are the norm in Chile, not a rarity—so the selling point isn’t as distinctive.
What happened in Marlborough (NZ) when phylloxera arrived?
Ungrafted vineyards planted in the 1970s had to be fully replanted with grafted vines after phylloxera appeared in the 1990s.
What historical rootstock failure in California illustrates the risk of pest-susceptibility?
AXR1 rootstock, believed resistant, failed in the 1980s when phylloxera Type B emerged, forcing massive replanting in Napa.
Besides phylloxera, what other soil pest threatens own-rooted vines?
Nematodes, particularly root-knot nematodes, which damage roots and spread viruses.
Why are nematodes a particular risk in sandy soils?
Sandy soils deter phylloxera but are ideal environments for nematodes.
What viruses are commonly spread by nematodes?
Fanleaf virus and other soil-borne grapevine viruses.
What is lime-induced chlorosis?
Iron deficiency in high-pH calcareous soils, which stunts growth; vinifera roots are especially vulnerable.
What is a practical reason why most new vineyards—even in phylloxera-free areas—are grafted today?
Long-term security, soil adaptability, and consistency outweigh the niche benefits of ungrafted planting.
Why is Chile one of the few major wine-producing countries with mostly ungrafted vines?
Its geographic isolation (Andes, desert, Pacific) has kept phylloxera out, allowing vines to be grown on original vinifera roots.
Why has South Australia remained phylloxera-free?
Strict quarantine measures and geographic isolation from affected regions.
How did Colares (Portugal) protect its vines from phylloxera?
Extremely sandy soils prevented phylloxera infestation.
What makes Santorini’s vineyards phylloxera-resistant?
Volcanic, pumice-rich soils which phylloxera cannot survive in.
What modern producer in Bordeaux planted ungrafted vines to recreate pre-phylloxera wines?
Loïc Pasquet of Liber Pater.
Why were many of Washington State’s vines ungrafted until recently?
What prompted a shift toward grafting in Washington?
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.
: In what vineyard contexts might planting ungrafted vines be a reasonable choice?
Phylloxera-free sandy soils
Boutique producers seeking uniqueness
Areas with low pest pressure and ideal vinifera-friendly soils
Why is the risk of ungrafted vines often considered asymmetric?
The upside is modest and niche, while the downside (phylloxera infestation) is potentially catastrophic and irreversible.
What long-term developments could potentially change the risk calculus for ungrafted vines?
• Breeding of phylloxera-resistant Vitis vinifera
• Effective biocontrol methods for phylloxera
• Better virus detection and prevention in vine propagation
What is a strong MW exam-style concluding position?
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.
