The vine variety herbarium and other contributions of Simón de Rojas Clemente to viticultural knowledge: the scientific value and sociocultural applicability of his legacy

Abstract

Spain has a long history of contributing towards the characterization of vine varieties. Of particular note, however, is the work of Simón de Rojas Clemente y Rubio, who in the 19th century entered the world of vines and viticulture unexpectedly, in a manner reminiscent of what might be read in an adventure novel. This author is deemed to be the father of ampelography, the discipline that focuses on the characterization of Vitis vinifera L. He developed the first scientific method for describing vines, indicating which organs of the plant should be measured and analysed, how and when in the life cycle this should be done, and the details that needed to be taken into account. He developed new terminology to refer to different parts of the leaf, flowers clusters, berries, seeds and canes, and described variations in morphology, size, colour, and the possession of hairs by the different organs, developing his methods through the examination of material he himself collected in Andalusia in 1803-1804. The results of this work were published in 1807 in his Ensayo sobre las variedades de vid que vegetan en Andalucía. The Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid conserves the material he herborised (leaves and shoots) for each of the varieties he studied. Now 214 years old, the 186 entries of this work constitute the oldest of all vine variety herbaria and provided the basis for the creation of ampelography as a scientific discipline. Today, this herbarium offers unparalleled insight into vine cultivation in early 19th century in Andalusia. It is without doubt an important museum piece of great scientific and sociocultural value.