What is the vine stock?
The vine stock is an important element of the vineyard. It is a vine trunk that carries the shoots and the grapes. The vine stock can be pruned in different ways to influence the quantity of grapes produced and the quality of the wine. They are usually planted in trellises or palisades.
> Learn more about the etymology of the vine stock
When is a vine planted?
Vine stocks are usually planted in the fall, after the harvest. Winegrowers generally plant vines in trellises, which are composed of two rows of vine stocks planted in staggered rows. Vines can also be planted in a trellis, which means that they are planted in a straight line along a fence or wall.
Vine stock pruning
Vines stocks are usually pruned in the summer, after veraison. Veraison is when the grapes begin to change color, usually from green to red. The pruning of the vine stocks influences not only the quantity of grapes produced but also the quality of the wine. Winemakers can choose not to prune the vine stocks, which will result in a greater quantity of grapes but of lesser quality. They can also choose to prune the vine stocks in different ways to influence the quality of the wine.
How to cultivate and maintain your vine stock?
It is commonly used as an ornamental plant. Grapevines are usually grown in areas with hot summers and cold winters. They can be grown in more temperate climates, but they will not produce as many grapes.
The vine stock is a climbing plant that can reach several meters in height. It needs a support to grow, such as a trellis or a pergola. It should be planted in well-drained, sunny soil rich in organic matter, such as clay soils.
Grapevines are usually planted in the spring. They can be purchased in pots or as seedlings. Potted vines should be planted in well-drained soil. Vine plants should be planted in a hole large enough to allow them to grow.
Once planted, the vines should be watered regularly. They should be fertilized in the spring with a fertilizer rich in potassium. The vines should be pruned every year after the harvest. The vines must be protected from frost in winter.
The benefits of the vine stock
The vine stock is a shrub belonging to the Vitaceae family. It is cultivated for its fruits, the grapes, but also for its leaves, which are used in infusion. Grapevines are native to Asia Minor and the Near East. They were introduced in Europe by the Greeks and Romans, who planted them in their country. Grapevines are vigorous and resistant shrubs. They can reach a height of 10 meters and live several centuries. They are cultivated in temperate regions of all continents. In France, they are mainly cultivated in the southwest, in the vineyards.
Grapevines are deciduous shrubs.
The leaves are small, oval and pointed. The flowers of the vine stock are small, yellow and grouped in clusters.
The fruits of the vine stock are the grapes. They are green, yellow or red, depending on the type of vine. The vine is a plant rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Grapes and vine stock leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. Grapes are rich in vitamin C, potassium and calcium. They are good for cardiovascular health and help prevent heart disease.
Grapes are also good for bone and teeth health. Grape leaves are rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants. They help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce cholesterol.
How to transform a vine stock?
The vine stock can be transformed into several products. In particular, it can be made into:
- Indoor plants
- Lamps
- Door handles
- Wooden sculptures
- Centerpieces for the table
- Jewelry stands
- Cheese tray handles
- Corkscrews
- Vegetation for walls and pergolas
- And probably many other things to find…
The vine stock in the literature
The vine stock, in addition to being the support for grape clusters for wine production, also plays a role in French gastronomy, albeit indirectly. Here are some of the roles of the vine stock in French gastronomy:
Smoking
The vine stock, raw or in sawdust, can be used to smoke certain foods, including meat, fish, and cheese. It gives off a unique flavor that can add an extra dimension to these foods when smoked.
Decoration
The vine stocks can be used as decorative elements in restaurants, wine bars, and homes. They bring a rustic and authentic touch to the environment, evoking the charm of French vineyards.
Presentation supports
They can be used as supports to present dishes and cheese or charcuterie platters. Their natural shape and unique texture add an attractive aesthetic to the presentation of food.
Flavorings for cooking
Some chefs use vine stocks in cooking to add subtle flavors to dishes. For example, vine leaves can be used to wrap food before cooking, giving it a delicate aroma.
Theme of gastronomic events
Vine stocks are often associated with gastronomic events that highlight French wines and cuisine. For example, during wine tastings or gastronomy festivals, vine stocks can be used as decorative elements or as a central theme to create an authentic atmosphere.
Vine foot corkscrew
Finally, the famous traditional corkscrew of our seniors that is coming back into fashion. Discover it on our “vine foot corkscrew” page.
In summary, although the vine foot is not directly used as a culinary ingredient, it plays an important role in French gastronomy as a decorative, aromatic and thematic element, thus contributing to the overall culinary experience.
The vine in literature
The vine is one of the symbols of the vine and viticulture, and it is often mentioned in literature.
In the Bible, the vine is a symbol of fertility and prosperity, and it is also mentioned in many of Shakespeare’s works. The vine is also an important symbol in Greek mythology, where it is associated with Dionysus, the god of wine. The vine is also a frequent motif in painting and sculpture, and is often depicted with grapes or vines.
