Rootstock

Rootstock refers to the underground part of a grapevine, onto which a fruiting variety (the scion) is grafted. Rootstocks are used in modern viticulture to provide resistance against pests such as phylloxera, to adapt vines to specific soils, and to influence vine vigour and wine style^[1].

Historical context

The widespread adoption of rootstocks followed the devastation caused by the phylloxera epidemic in 19th-century Europe. Native American vine species, naturally resistant to the insect, were first introduced as rootstocks for grafting European Vitis vinifera varieties^[2]. This practice became the standard in virtually all wine-growing regions and remains essential to modern viticulture.

Functions and adaptations

Rootstocks provide more than pest resistance. They allow vines to adapt to different soil types, manage nutrient uptake, and cope with conditions such as drought or excessive soil moisture^[3]. For example, some rootstocks are suited to calcareous soils, while others thrive in sandy or saline environments. Rootstock selection is therefore closely tied to terroir considerations.

Influence on vine and wine

The choice of rootstock can affect the vigour, yield and lifespan of the vine, with consequences for grape quality and wine character^[4]. More vigorous rootstocks may promote larger yields but require careful canopy management, while less vigorous types may lead to more concentrated fruit suitable for premium winemaking. Rootstocks can also influence ripening patterns and thereby shape the balance of acidity and sugar in the finished wine.

Contemporary use

Today, viticultural research continues to refine rootstock breeding, aiming for improved resistance to evolving pests and diseases as well as adaptability to climate change. Experimental programmes in Europe, the Americas and Australia are exploring hybrids that combine traditional phylloxera resistance with tolerance to water stress and soil limitations^[5].

References

↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, entry: rootstocks. ISBN 978-0198705383.
↑ Pongrácz, Rootstocks for Grapevines, David Philip, 1983. ISBN 978-0949943244.
↑ Jackson, Wine Science: Principles and Applications, 5th ed., Academic Press, 2020, pp. 220–225. ISBN 978-0128161180.
↑ Galet, Précis de viticulture, 3rd ed., Dehan, 2000. ISBN 978-2904176585. (French original)
↑ Jackson, Wine Science: Principles and Applications, 5th ed., Academic Press, 2020, p. 230. ISBN 978-0128161180.

[1] Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, entry: rootstocks. ISBN 978-0198705383.

[2] Pongrácz, Rootstocks for Grapevines, David Philip, 1983. ISBN 978-0949943244.

[3] Jackson, Wine Science: Principles and Applications, 5th ed., Academic Press, 2020, pp. 220–225. ISBN 978-0128161180.

[4] Galet, Précis de viticulture, 3rd ed., Dehan, 2000. ISBN 978-2904176585. (French original)

[5] Jackson, Wine Science: Principles and Applications, 5th ed., Academic Press, 2020, p. 230. ISBN 978-0128161180.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]