The Art and Science of Vine Clones and Rootstock at Lafond Vineyards

The Historical Battle Against Phylloxera

In the late 19th century, European vineyards faced a devastating crisis as they began to die off due to a mysterious disease. It seemed like the end of the wine industry until someone noticed that a native vine in the United States was resistant to the disease. This led to the revolutionary idea of grafting the resilient American rootstock onto European vines. The disease, known as Phylloxera, was thus combated, saving the vineyards of France and, by extension, the European wine industry (source).

The Modern Art of Rootstock Selection

Selecting the right rootstock has become an intricate art form. Modern rootstocks need to be resistant not only to Phylloxera but also to nematodes, which thrive in sandy soils. In our new Chardonnay block at Lafond Vineyard, we sought a rootstock that was both vigorous and nematode-resistant due to our sandy soil conditions.

Understanding Nematodes and Phylloxera

Nematodes are roundworms found in various environments, including vineyards. They thrive in sandy soils, while Phylloxera, an insect related to aphids, prefers heavier soils. Both pests attack vines by disrupting the flow of water and nutrients. In the late 1970s and 80s, vineyards in Napa and Sonoma discovered that a previously believed Phylloxera-resistant rootstock was not effective, leading to costly replanting efforts (source).

Choosing the Right Rootstock and Clones

For our new Chardonnay block, we selected a rootstock known as Freedom, which is both vigorous and nematode-resistant. The next step was to choose the Chardonnay clones. We opted for four different clones to enhance complexity and depth. One of these is the Wente clone, which we have successfully grown in another block. The other three clones were chosen after sampling wines from neighboring vineyards and considering soil compatibility and other factors.

The Importance of Clone Variety

Using a variety of clones can make a wine more interesting and give it more depth. Each clone has its unique strengths, and the possibility that one clone will perfectly match the climate and soil—known as 'terroir'—is every winemaker's dream.

The Grafting Process

Vines are grafted in a nursery and can be planted the same year or the following year. The first type, known as green grafts, come in small planting pots with a few months of root growth. The second type, known as dormants, have one year of root growth. Although both methods take four years before the first crop, we now exclusively use dormants due to their better survival rate and comparable cost.

Conclusion

The selection of rootstock and clones is a meticulous process that significantly impacts the quality and complexity of the wine. At Lafond Vineyards, we continually strive to perfect this art, blending tradition with modern science to produce exceptional wines.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on Phylloxera and nematodes, you can refer to the following resources:

• Phylloxera on Britannica
• Nematodes in Vineyards

Interesting Stats

• Phylloxera Infestation: By the end of the 19th century, Phylloxera had destroyed nearly 40% of French vineyards (source).
• Economic Impact: The replanting of vineyards in Napa and Sonoma due to Phylloxera in the late 20th century cost the industry over $1 billion (source).

By understanding the complexities of rootstock and clone selection, we can appreciate the intricate process that goes into producing a bottle of wine.