Vitis vinifera Delizia di Vaprio - Grape vine

The 'Delizia di Vaprio' vine-plant is an ancient white grape variety of Italian origin with a relatively early ripeness, starting from the beginning of September. It produces large clusters filled with white amber cylindrical grapes, of medium to large size. The juicy and crunchy pulp contains two small seeds. It has a pleasant, sweet and musky flavour. Although of moderate vigour, this table or wine grape is rather productive. You can also use it for the ornamentation of a pergola, a trellis or train it against a sunny wall.

The wine grape, in Latin Vitis vinifera, grew in the wild over 5000 years ago. Its introduction for cultivation in France was done by the Romans. Numerous hybrids have emerged to achieve new colours, flavours, and uses. The 'Delizia di Vaprio' vine was introduced in 1908 by Alberto Pirovano in the town of Vaprio d'Adda in northern Italy. It is said to be a cross-breeding between the 'Sicilien' and 'Muscat d'Alexandrie' varieties.

A sarmentous climbing bush, the 'Delizia di Vaprio' vine-plant easily reaches a height or spread of 4-5 m (13-16ft) if not pruned. Its final shape will depend on the pruning practised. This undemanding, frugal, sun-loving plant prefers a soil that is both clayey and stony, well-drained. Its long stems cling to their support (trellis, espalier) by means of large green and voluble tendrils. Its foliage, with serrated edges, is a deep green in summer and turns into the most beautiful gold in autumn. Its flowering occurs in May-June, depending on the year and the region, offering small whitish-green flowers gathered in fairly loose conical clusters. Its beautiful cylindrical grapes have a moderately thick skin covered with bloom, turning into complete yellow amber at ripeness. They reveal a sweet and juicy flesh with a delicate and slightly musky aroma. Excellent table or wine grape.

You can use the beautiful and rare 'Delizia di Vaprio' vine-plant for the ornamentation of a pergola, a trellis, or trained against a sunny wall, where it will look splendid from spring to autumn!