Ampelology is a tool to describe, identify and class grape varieties, says Dr Ian D’Agata (2014, p15-17). It is similar to but differs from ampelography by basing conclusions not solely on subjective observation. Ampelology makes use of ampelometrics, data gathering by quantifiable means (measuring the size or weight of vine flowers for example); of biochemical methods such as isoenzyme analysis and analysis of aromatic molecule precursors; and of biomolecular methods such as DNA sequencing.

Bibliography

Dr Ian D’Agata, Native Wine Grapes of Italy (University of California Press, 2014).