

INTRODUCTION 



NOTES ON THE DETERMINATION OF CEPAGES.* 



A long association with vines enables any one to acquire, 

 in a given district, a visual recollection of the most common 

 varieties, or " cepages." This visual recollection is prefer- 

 able to the best description. It is due to the physiognomy 

 of a variety becoming engraved on the memory, and serving 

 as a means of comparison. This physiognomy of a vine is 

 the general result of the impression caused by the union of 

 its separate characters. But, more often than not, these 

 particular or separate characters, not having been examined 

 individually with sufficient attention, escape from the 

 memory. From their assembled characteristics a special 

 appearance proper to each cepage results, which in most 

 cases is sufficient to serve as a guide. 



This method of determination is the result of unconscious 

 discrimination. Vine-growers easily recognise at first sight the 

 varieties amongst which they live, such a method of observa- 

 tion has a close analogy to that which enables a shepherd to 

 recognise individual sheep in his flock. It is recommendable, 

 but presents, however, serious difficulties. First, it demands 

 a long time to acquire ; and second, can only apply to a 

 given district or region. Climate, cultural proceedings, and 

 method of training, all tend to modify the appearance of a 

 vine, and may even render it unrecognisable. An Aramon 

 vine growing in the plains of the He"rault (South of France) 

 will differ in appearance from the same vine when cultivated 



* This word is used as it has no true equivalent in the English language. It is usually 

 translated as variety ; this, however, does not convey the real meaning, as it may be applied 

 to a species, variety, variation, hybrid, or metis. (Trans.) 



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