It is possible to plant just the rootstocks and then to graft in situ later. This technique has advantages and disadvantages:
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It results in better development of the root system
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The vines that go into production are already well established, thereby avoiding production exhausting the vine before it is established.
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This approach is thought to reduce the risk of the appearance of wood diseases such as Esca
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Two-step planting requires more operations in the medium term (approximately three years). Grafting is a delicate operation that requires training, the intervention of a specialized team may therefore be necessary.
The logistics involved in this method are substantial. The vines must also be carefully desuckered to obtain a large enough shoot for grafting.
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In difficult soils, return to production is slower than with conventional replacement planting (but theoretically more robust).
This approach is quite easy to implement for initial planting but difficult to manage for replacement planting. At Château Grillet, this method has been used for several years for both planting and replacement planting. However, it is used increasingly less frequently for replacement planting because it is not suited to the logistics of a terraced system.