Vitis vinifera Brant - Grape vine

An original variety if there ever was one, Brant is an ornamental vine that bears abundant fruit. Particularly vigorous, it can reach a height of 8m (26ft) or more if not pruned to limit its size. Its greenish flowering in June is not particularly interesting, but it then produces clusters of decorative black grapes in September and October. Its foliage, on the other hand, takes on rich red hues in autumn, with the central veins remaining green, giving it a certain aesthetic appeal. This variety is very hardy (down to -20°C (-4°F)) and prefers neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil, in full sun. It is somewhat susceptible to mildew and botrytis.

The wine grapevine (Vitis vinifera) grew wild over 5000 years ago in North and Central America, Europe, and Central and Eastern Asia. The subspecies sylvestris still exists, and it is a climbing liana that grows on the edge of forests and can reach great heights in trees. The current varieties, referred to as "grape varieties" in the case of the vine, are classified under the vinifera subspecies (although there are other cultivated species, but they are very minor). Economically, wine grapes predominate over table grapes.

Alongside the vinifera species, there are other species, some of which have been used to create hybrids. This is the case with the Brant Vine, which has genes from Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca - the American raspberry vine with fruits that taste like raspberries - and Vitis riparia, the riverbank vine, whose branches can reach up to 20m (66ft) in length. "Brant" is more specifically the result of  cross-breeding done in Canada by breeder Charles Arnold between the Clinton variety (itself a natural hybrid of Vitis labrusca and Vitis riparia selected in 1821 in the state of New York) and the Black St. Peters variety (or Black Alicante due to its Spanish origin, a red table grape consumed since the 18th century).

This Vitis Brant has vigorous growth, but it can be pruned to limit its development. Its leaves have 3 to 5 more or less pronounced lobes and are finely toothed. With their tendrils, its stems are capable of covering a trellis or arbour with a veritable leafy mantle. In June, the plant produces clusters of small greenish flowers that are quite insignificant from an ornamental point of view, but interesting in the sense that they are self-fertile and develop into true fruit clusters like "classic" varieties of Vitis vinifera. The resulting grapes are black with a slightly bluish bloom. They are generally not consumed, especially as they are known to be full of seeds, but they beautifully decorate the plant during the months of September and October... as long as the birds don't devour them! They release aromatic notes in the garden, likely inherited from their parent Vitis lambrusca. Vinification trials have reportedly produced a decent wine. What is certain is that its grapes are highly decorative in autumn, heralding a new spectacle as the foliage begins to colour due to the first cold spells. It then takes on vivid red to crimson hues, while the veins remain green-yellow, creating a particularly attractive visual contrast.

Growing in full sun in neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil, this variety is hardy to approximately -20°C (-4°F) and can be cultivated almost anywhere. It is moderately susceptible to mildew and botrytis (grey mold), diseases whose early signs should be monitored in order to treat them promptly. Uncontrolled mildew can defoliate a vine, which would be a shame in the case of Brant, whose main ornamental interest lies in the autumn colours of its foliage!

Brant is not the only vine with ornamental foliage, Vitis coignetiae also takes on stunning colours in autumn. But it is also interesting because of its clusters of decorative fruits, which makes it similar to Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea', which also bears clusters of black fruits and has purple foliage in season. To create a spectacular contrasting scene, plant the Golden Hop alongside them, whose trilobed leaves, reminiscent of those of the vine, will stand out with their bright colour.