Heritage Clones

heritage clones, term used particularly in parts of the New World with a relatively long history of vine growing, such as California and Australia, for cuttings from particularly historic vines. Examples in Australia are those from century-old ungrafted vines which may be traced back to early imports into the colony from pre-phylloxera Europe. They are typically virus-free, having been exported from Europe before the introduction of the grafting that is known to spread virus disease. In California such selections as Calera, Mt. Eden, Swan Pinot Noir, and Rudd and Wente Chardonnay clones are regarded as part of the state’s viticultural heritage.