I am looking to start a small vineyard, and would like to grow a Syrah variety. I'm a little confused as to which rootstock to order. A rep at one vineyard nursery recommended 101-14 rootstock, but another nursery's website says that this is the rootstock for several wines, but none are Syrah. I have some books on the way, but can someone explain what this rootstock term means, and what should I look for for Syrah?
Thanks ahead...
not an expert, though having some experience. the rootstock is generally tailored to the site not the vine... that is, some rootstock does better in clay soils than those specifically for alkaline soils, etc.,
that being said, some rootstock will have impact on the upper vine by delaying bud break (beneficial in northern climes) and limiting growth of some unruly vines (baco noir and norton come to mind).
101-14 and 3309 seem to be the two favorites and yes different suppliers will recommend different stock, time to ask the locals what has performed better for them. most everyone I have met in the vineyard has been very helpful to starting growers, there are few enough of us that they don't consider us to be threatsNed,
What kind of soil do you have??? Where do you live????
Bob
Soil type and location is probably the biggest factor in rootstock selection, not variety. 101-14 is commonly used for quality winegrape production. It can be perfectly fine for Syrah, and if your nursery recommends it, it's probably a good choice. It promotes good fruit set, and early ripening, so it's especially good if you have a short growing season or use later ripening varieties. 101-14 does exceptionally well on Petite Sirah and Cab Sauv on my vineyard in Napa Valley.
Here's a description:
101-14 Millardet et de Grasset (Riparia x Rupestris Cross)Vigor: Low to moderate.
Effect on fruit set: Improves fruit set (better than 3309 C ).
Effect on maturity: Advances maturity (shorter cycle than 3309 C).
Soils: It has a fairly shallow, well branched root system and requires moist, deep soils. Is a good rootstock for fresh clay soils even if they are poorly drained. Not appropriate for dry and well-drained positions on slopes. It has a moderate resistance to lime-induced chlorosis. It should not be used in acid soils without prior pH adjustment with lime application. It is resistant to salinity.
Pests and diseases: Has high resistance to phylloxera. Is moderately resistant to nematodes.
Propagation: Easy to graft and root.
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