Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
as far south as Louisiana. When talking about grapes and wine, we use the variety name
(such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir) unless we are talking about a species or a hybrid cross
between two species. American varieties and hybrids developed from North American par-
ents typically require less summer heat and tolerate greater winter cold than vinifera grapes.
Generally speaking, vinifera grapes grow well in the West and Northwest, and in some oth-
er areas with the right conditions to ripen the grapes. Typically, colder areas in the North-
east and Midwest are best suited for American varieties and American hybrids. In the hu-
mid conditions of the South, native muscadine grapes may be the best choice.
We always refer to two different parts of the plant: the rootstock and the scion or clone.
The rootstock is the part of the plant below and just above ground, including the roots and
the bottom part of the trunk. Grafted onto the top of the rootstock is the scion or clone,
which is a variety such as a Cabernet or Chardonnay. This includes the upper part of the
main trunk, the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruit. The term scion refers generally to that
part of the plant above the rootstock, whereas the clone is a variety and subspecies, such as
Cabernet Sauvignon 337 or Merlot 182. Some varieties have many different clones that are
suited to different growing conditions.
Base of Vine
