The 140 Ruggeri rootstock, or 140 Ru, is a renowned viticultural solution for its robustness and ability to adapt to demanding soil conditions. Resulting from a judicious cross, it has become a key player in phylloxera management and yield optimisation in constrained environments, particularly amidst climate change.

Origin and creation of a resistant rootstock

The 140 Ruggeri rootstock originated from the need for robust solutions following the 19th-century phylloxera crisis. It is the result of a cross between Vitis berlandieri and Vitis rupestris, bred by the Italian ampelographer Ruggeri. This hybridisation combined the phylloxera resistance of both American species with notable tolerance to limestone and drought.

Rootstock profile

Characteristic	Description
Parents / cross	Vitis berlandieri x Vitis rupestris
Original species	Vitis berlandieri / Vitis rupestris
Breeder and date	Ruggeri
Phylloxera resistance	High
Conferred vigour	High
Active lime tolerance	Up to 40% active lime (chlorosis index IPC > 50)
Drought tolerance	Very good
Tolerance to waterlogging / asphyxiation	Low
Effect on scion ripening	Delayed
Status / registration	Official French catalogue

Adaptation to different soil types

140 Ru excels in soils with a high active lime content, tolerating up to 40% active lime with a chlorosis power index (IPC) greater than 50. This characteristic makes it a prime choice for limestone terroirs. Its very good drought tolerance also makes it well-suited to arid conditions and shallow soils. Conversely, it shows poor tolerance to excessive moisture and root asphyxiation, rendering it less suitable for heavy, poorly drained soils.

Influence on the scion

This rootstock confers high vigour to the scions, which can be advantageous in poor soils or for grape varieties with low natural vigour. However, it tends to delay grape ripeness. This trait must be factored in when choosing grape varieties and yield objectives. It also promotes effective water and nutrient uptake, which can positively impact yields, though careful vineyard management is required to maintain balanced vegetative growth and crop quality.

Agronomic sensitivities and limitations

Despite its many strengths, 140 Ru has some limitations. Its high lime tolerance does not completely protect it from iron chlorosis in extreme conditions. Its poor resistance to root asphyxiation makes it vulnerable in wet, heavy soils. It is also susceptible to nematodes and fanleaf degeneration (court-noué), requiring vigilance on high-risk plots, much like the 1447 P (1447 Paulsen) rootstock or the 1103 P (1103 Paulsen) rootstock.

Value in the face of climate change

In the context of climate change and increasingly frequent periods of drought, 140 Ru is of growing interest for Bordeaux vineyards. Its exceptional drought tolerance makes it a valuable asset for preserving yields and grape quality. The vigour it confers can also help compensate for tough conditions, although its delaying effect on ripening must be managed for certain varieties.

Château Cazebonne is committed to the future of the Bordeaux vineyard by exploring and replanting grape varieties and rootstocks suited to our terroirs and environmental challenges. This research and experimental work is documented in our book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", which you can download to expand your knowledge. We also invite you to test your wine knowledge with our wine quizzes, and perhaps explore our wines directly in our online shop to support this pioneering approach.