Since the apparition of Phylloxera in the late 19th century, all vines planted in Europe are a combination of the indigenous European varieties grafted onto American rootstock. Vines are currently planted either as rootstock, and after one year's growth the desired variety is grafted onto the root, or it is planted as nursery grown pre-grafted stock. The following photographs show a new plantation of pre-grafted Ull de Llebre. The varietal graft is the top part of the vine covered in wax.

Having prepared the land, it is marked out for planting. Traditionally, before replanting a vineyard, it is left fallow (or sown with cereals) for up to seven years to ensure that no residual infections from the old roots would damage the new vines. Nowadays this period can be almost eliminated by "disinfecting" the land before replanting. The distance between the vines varies according to the region, soil type, and the variety to be planted. In this case Sergi and Anton Pie marked out the field (rather unconventionally) by driving a motorcycle in perfectly straight lines along the guide ropes. Where each track crosses they planted a vine. Note that for ease of cultivation this field is perfectly lined up with the rows of the field beyond.

The vines are planted in holes prepared by these metal stakes. As they are plunged into the earth, they inject water into the hole, which will provide the new vine with the necessary moisture for the first weeks of its life.

The vines are planted to a depth of approximately 30cm (twelve inches), leaving just a small shoot above the surface.

Fill in around the shoot...and wait. These vines will produce a small crop for the first time next year (September 1999), although first they will be trained onto wires next spring.