04 EFFECT OF THE AGE OF THE VINE 



In the vineyard of Epernay there are two sub-varieties of 

 the pineau, one of which is regularly barren when the other 

 is overloaded with fruit. 



It has been already stated that it is considered by the best 

 writers an injury to have too many varieties in the same vine- 

 yard, for it is a fact as well in the vineyards of the south as in 

 those of the north of France, that those which comprise the 

 least number of varieties produce the best wines, although 

 some persons advocate a contrary doctrine. The sweetness 

 of a grape is not always an indication of a good wine grape, 

 for the chasselas does not make good wine, whereas grapes of 

 a harsh taste make excellent wine. On this subject, however, 

 I will enter more into detail hereafter. 



Effect of the age of the vine on the product. 



The influence of age, which has been remarked in regard 

 to other fruits to have the effect of rendering them smaller and 

 less numerous, but more sweet, is also extremely powerful as 

 relates to the vine, of which there exist thousands of proofs. 

 It is to this influence that they attribute in Burgundy the su- 

 perior quality of their finest vineyard of Clos de Vougost, 

 and it is to this also that is to be attributed the well known 

 difference which exists between the wines of Migraine near 

 Auxerre, Closet near Epernay, and the remainder of those 

 vineyards ; and indeed, facts of this kind are cited in almost 

 every vine district. 



The increase in the vigour and abundance of sap, which is 

 so perceptible in young vineyards formed by scions from these 

 aged vines, together with their consequent increase in pro- 

 duce, proves that the age to which these old vines have en- 

 dured is attended with no exhaustion of the variety. On the 

 other hand, the fact that the oldest varieties in the Burgundy 

 vineyards are selected as the basis of those of Champagne, 

 and of many vineyards in the department of Haut-Rhin and 

 other districts of France, affords proof conclusive that nature 



