Step 7: Selection of Types of Grapes and Rootstock

There are four major species of grapes grown around the world;
1. Vitis Vinifera
2. Vitis Lubrusca,
3. Hybrids of these two, and
4. Vitis Rotoundifolia.

Of these four Vitis Vinifera are best suited for production in Arizona. These are the dominant species of grapes grown all over Europe and California. Vinifera require long hot growing seasons, mild winters and are excellent for making wine. These grapes include; Grenache, Sirah and Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and over a dozen more.

Some Arizona vineyards are producing specialized wines such as Rhône and Italian styles. These vineyards and wineries have grown grapes found the European regions where these wines are produced. For example, Dos Cabazas Wineworks in Kansas Settlement has established a Sangiovese grape clone from Italian. This Brunello di Montalcino clone is considered one of the best in the United States. Colibri Vineyards of Portal has created a Rhône style vineyard, growing the southern Rhône grape varieties of Viognier and Counoise and a number of other grape types.

Rootstock, the lower portion of the vine that responsible for reproduction and fighting off deseases is also an important consideration. Roots are what anchor the plant and take in nutrients from the soil. As soil conditions differ in PH and other characteristics it is essential to plant roots that are accustomed to that particular soil environment. Technology has made this science simple, now soil samples are matched to the rootstock best suited for success. Most major nurseries will guarantee their rootstock. Fruitwood, or the part of the plant the yields the fruit, is then graphed onto the rootstocks to make a grape vine plan. Thus, wine plants or vines are made of two parts molded together into one.

The selection of grape will depend in large part on a vineyard's location and the type of wine one would enjoy creating. Site selection and careful analysis will reveal the best types of grapes for a particular vineyard.

 

Move onto Step 8

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