Vitis vinifera, commonly known as the European grapevine or wine grape, is a species of vine native to the Mediterranean region, central Europe, and southwestern Asia. It is one of the most widely cultivated and economically important grape species globally, known for its use in winemaking and the production of table grapes. Vitis vinifera vines typically have lobed leaves and produce clusters of small, round berries that can range in color from green to red to purple, depending on the grape variety.
The history of Vitis vinifera dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its cultivation for wine production in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Over time, the cultivation and selection of different grape varieties within Vitis vinifera have led to a diverse range of wine styles and flavors, contributing to the richness and complexity of the wine world.
Today, Vitis vinifera is grown in wine-producing regions around the world, including famous wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, and Tuscany. Its versatility and adaptability to different climates and soil types make it a favorite among winemakers seeking to create high-quality wines with unique characteristics.
Overall, Vitis vinifera holds a special place in the world of viticulture and winemaking, representing centuries of tradition, innovation, and enjoyment for wine enthusiasts globally.
Grafting is the technique of creating a new grape vine by cutting the rootstock and then inserting scion wood that is cut to fit inside the incision made in the rootstock. The root of the grape plant isn’t the exact same strain as the top of the plant.
Grapevine propagation is an important concern in commercial viticulture and winemaking. Grapevines, the majority of which are Vitis vinifera.
The majority of wine grapes you hear about are grafted onto rootstock due to a pest, grapevine phylloxera. European Vinifera grafted onto American phylloxera resistant rootstock.
Hybrids are often grafted as well to influence more consistent productively, less climate impact and more even ripening. It can also give the vine a root more adapted to the soil they are planted in then they are on their own root.
Vitis labrusca (the fox grape) are native to eastern North America and are the source of many grape cultivars, including Catawba, Concord, Delaware, Isabella, Niagara, and many hybrid grape varieties such as Agawam, Alexander and Onaka. Among the characteristics of this vine species in contrast to the European wine grape Vitis vinifera are its "slip-skin" that allows the skin of the grape berries to easily slip off when squeezed, instead of crushing the pulp, and the presence of tendrils on every node of the cane. Another contrast with European vinifera is the characteristic "foxy" musk of V. labrusca, best known to most people through the Concord grape. (strong, earthy aromas characteristic of the grapes that were known by early European-American settlers in the New World). The term "foxy" became a sort of catchall for the wine tasting descriptors used for these American wines that were distinct from the familiar flavors of the European viniferous wines. Another trait of the labrusca species is the large, thick leaves of the vines that have a hairy underside with dense brown or white hairs. Like many other American vine species, Vitis labrusca has some natural resistance to many grape diseases, including phylloxera. However, its resistance and grafting compatibility is not as high as that of other species, such as Vitis aestivalis, Vitis rupestris and Vitis berlandieri, and it is not often used for commercial rootstock.
Hybrid grapes are grape varietals created by crossing two or more different grape species. They exhibit a mix of traits from their European, Asiatic, and North American parentage. Those varieties which derive from Vitis labrusca parentage Hybrid grapes are also referred to as inter-species crossings or "Modern Varieties."
Hybrid varieties have gained a renewed focus for European breeding programs due to their, often remarkable tolerance to powdery mildew, other fungal diseases, nematodes, and phylloxera. Newer hybrid grape varieties for European viticulturists include the recently created types (Rondo and Regent). Several North American breeding programs, including those at Cornell and the University of Minnesota, are solely focused on hybrid grapes, with active and successful programmes.
Hybrid varieties exhibit a mix of traits from their European, Asiatic, and North American parentage. Most hybrid grape varieties struggle to produce adequate tannin for red wine production, and usually display a level of acidity that exceeds what consumers of wines produced from Vitis vinifera are accustomed to.
Follow Instructions from the supplier of the grapevines to ensure success!
Dormant vines should be planted early in the spring after the risk of frost has passed to ensure the best results. Dormant vines are sorted in bundles of 25 and are typically packed to stay moist.
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Follow Instructions from the supplier of the grapevines to ensure success!
The best time of year for green-potted vines to be planted is after the rick of frost has passed and the ground is warm. (Before extremely hot temperatures). Potted vines should be planted as soon as possible after receiving them for best results.
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