Roses

Roses

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All French vineyards will have roses planted nearby, usually at the end of each row, as here. 

Roses are excessively susceptible to most of the maladies that plague grapes, so if your roses are suffering, the vines are next; they are the 'canary in the coalmine' for vintners.  They give you the warning you need in order to take action to save the grapes.