1.4.3.a Overview

What is the advantage of using a rootstock?

The primary objective of a rootstock is to prevent phylloxera. However, it has many other major benefits including its ability to adapt to the soil profile and the desired production style. For example, the rootstock can be used to control the vines' vigor and therefore the yield. It can also have characteristics which make it well-suited to the surrounding environment such as humidity or drought, or indeed, it can be compatible with the level of active limestone in the soil. The right choice of rootstock will make it possible to get the best out of any soil type.

When a Vitis vinifera vine is planted without a rootstock, we refer to it as a franc de pied or ungrafted vine. This implies that there is no mixing of species.

Is phylloxera present on the plot?

Phylloxera first appeared in France in 1863. An aphid native to the United States of America, it attacks the roots and leaves of the vine. Vitis vinifera is particularly sensitive to a root attack whereas American vines are more vulnerable on their vegetative parts.
The phylloxera crisis that began at the beginning of the 20th century was by far the most catastrophic crisis in the history of European viticulture and it wiped out many vineyards across the continent.

The most effective solution was grafting since other species of Vitis are resistant to phylloxera. This is the case for American vines. Consequently, nowadays the best course of action is to plant with a rootstock. On top of their phylloxera-resistance, rootstocks can provide better comptability with the soil profile. However, care should be taken when considering some of the authorized rootstocks available as they do not all have the same phylloxera resistance.

Which rootstocks are allowed within the AOC?

Each country has a list of authorized rootstocks for their different AOCs. In France for example, 31 different rootstocks are authorized and they are described in the official rootstocks catalogue. Rootstocks must therefore be chosen from this list.
New rootstocks are being studied to be able to adapt to problems arising from climate change.