Vitis vinifera Italia - Grape vine

The 'Italia' vine is a vigorous variety. It produces fairly large, cylindrical to conical, fairly loose, winged clusters. The berries are large, elliptical, white-yellow to amber-yellow. The skin is thick and covered with white bloom. The flesh is fleshy, crunchy, with a slightly muscat flavour. Harvest takes place in October. The 'Italia' vine is resistant to winter cold but susceptible to diseases.

The wine grape vine (Vitis vinifera) grew wild more than 5000 years ago. Its introduction to France for cultivation was done by the Romans. Many hybrids have been created to vary colours, flavours, and uses. The 'Italia' vine is a variety resulting from a cross-breeding: 'Bicane' x 'Muscat de Hambourg', obtained by Luigi and Alberto Pirovano from Vaprio d'Adda, Italy, in 1911. It is listed in the Official Catalogue of Varieties of table grape vines.

A vigorous sarmentous bush, the 'Italia' vine can reach up to 5m (16ft). Its final shape will depend on the pruning practiced. It is indifferent to the nature of the soil and not very demanding, preferring even dry and rocky soil. Its semi-erect habit recommends training on wire. Long pruning is recommended. It likes sunny situations. Its foliage is deeply cut, with a deep green colour in summer, and turns the most beautiful gold in autumn. Its flowering in clusters occurs at the end of May, offering very small white-pink flowers. Its table grapes, in fairly large clusters, ripen in October, depending on the regions. The berries are large, elliptical, white-yellow to amber-yellow. The skin is thick and covered with white bloom. The flesh is crunchy, with a slightly muscat flavour.

Grapes are consumed as table fruit, fresh, but also in jam, jelly, fruit juice, pastries, and of course, after vinification, as wine.