Ampelographs

An ampelograph is a detailed scientific illustration or description of a grapevine variety. The term is derived from the Greek words "ampelos" (vine) and "graphein" (to write). Ampelographs were historically crucial for identifying and distinguishing between the thousands of different grape varieties cultivated worldwide. They typically capture a range of characteristics, including the shape and size of the leaves, the appearance of the buds, the structure of the shoot, the color and arrangement of the berries in a bunch, and the overall form of the vine.

These illustrations served as a visual catalog, helping viticulturists and ampelologists (scientists who study grapevines) in classification, naming, and the study of grapevine genetics and evolution. Before the advent of modern genetic analysis, ampelography was the primary method for accurately identifying a specific cultivar. Detailed written descriptions often accompanied the illustrations, providing precise measurements and observations of the grapevine's morphology.

The tradition of creating ampelographs dates back centuries, with notable collections compiled by scientists and botanists in the 18th and 19th centuries. These historical records remain valuable resources for understanding historical viticulture and for research into grapevine diversity. While genetic fingerprinting has become the definitive method for varietal identification, ampelography continues to be a useful tool for initial field identification and for appreciating the subtle differences that define each unique grapevine.