Viniculture vs. Viticulture: What's the Difference?
Viniculture vs. viticulture? What do these terms refer to and how do we understand the difference? The scientific term “viticulture” refers to the science, study and production of grapes. The term “viniculture” also refers to the science, study and production of grapes. However, when we hear viniculture we know the process is referring specifically to grapes for wine.
Though technically defined as being the process cultivation of grapevines for winemaking, viniculture in popular use can often be referring to the process of making the wine itself, whereas viticulture would be used to refer to the process of growing the grapes. To confuse matters a bit more, the person who is, for example, growing Pinot Noir wine grapes, is called a viticulturist.
If you heard the terms viniculture or viticulture it’s likely you have heard them used interchangeably. You could even consider viniculture as a term under the larger umbrella of viniculture, since the latter refers more broadly to the science, study and production of grapes. Viticulture is the science and agriculture of growing grapes, whether that is table grapes or juice grapes. However, with viniculture, those grapes are headed for winemakers!
A simple device to remember viniculture vs. viticulture is to use the first three letters of viniculture to identify it as relating to vino!
Viniculture and viticulture aside, you already know that Pinot Noir is a wonderfully versatile and desirable varietal. Pinot Noir grapes produce excellent red wines, white wines and sparkling wines. Growing Pinot Noir wine grapes requires a vast knowledge and a commitment to purity, precision and perfection. The standard for Pinot Noir tends to be very high and it is known as one of, or perhaps even the most, challenging wine varietals to grow.
Next time you are shopping for a bottle of Pinot Noir it may be a fun challenge to research the brands in your local shops or frequented online sellers to find out a bit about their own process for viniculture.