Vitis viniferaFrankenthaler - Grape vine

Vitis vinifera 'Frankenthaler' is a very old variety, originating from Austria. This vigorous vine can reach a height of 5m (16ft) or more. Highly productive, it is renowned as one of the easiest to cultivate. It produces juicy black grapes that can be consumed fresh or used for winemaking. An early variety, its berries are ready to be harvested at the end of August. It requires a long, hot summer to fruit well. It does not tolerate excessive humidity, so it should be planted in full sun in well-drained soil. Although hardy, this variety is somewhat susceptible to the usual vine diseases.

Vitis vinifera grew wild over 5000 years ago in North and Central America, Europe, and Central and Eastern Asia. The subspecies sylvestris still exists. It is a climbing vine, growing at the edge of forests. It can reach great heights in trees. The current varieties, known as grape varieties in the case of the vine, are classified under the subspecies vinifera (although there are other cultivated species, but they are very minor). Economically, wine grapes dominate table grapes, with over 200 authorised grape varieties in France, the result of centuries of selection work.

'Frankenthaler', also known as 'Trollinger' and 'Black Hamburg', can be found in many countries such as Austria - its country of origin - Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Portugal, Italy, England, Chile, and even Australia. This variety is said to have been obtained in the second half of the 18th century in Tyrol (Austria), or perhaps in Franconia (Germany). It was long grown under glass in the west, north, and east of France, as well as in Belgium and England to produce table grapes. 'Frankenthaler' can also be used for winemaking, although it produces wine of average quality.

This vigorous and upright variety reaches a height of 5m (16ft) (and even much more if not pruned) with an equal spread. It has beautiful medium green leaves that are somewhat glossy, usually with 3 well-defined lobes. The foliage takes on beautiful autumn colours, ranging from butter yellow to red, giving it a slightly ornamental aspect. Its early summer flowering produces beautiful, medium to large clusters with a distinctly conical shape. Like most grapes, it is a self-fertile variety. The berries are medium to large in size, and spherical or slightly ovoid. They are initially reddish-purple, turning to blackish-purple when ripe, with a slight bloom. These berries are ready to be harvested from late August, provided they have benefited from a warm summer. The flesh is firm and juicy, but the sugar content and flavour vary. Given its heat requirements, it is necessary to perform green pruning to remove certain leaves so that the grapes are exposed to the sun.

'Frankenthaler' is susceptible to various vine diseases, such as mildew, powdery mildew, and botrytis. Due to its heat requirement, it is wise to train it against an exposed stone wall so that it can make the most of the sun. In general, grapes are rich in vitamin B, fibre, and manganese, and they are also well supplied with antioxidants. They are believed to play a role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Above all, they are a healthy, natural, and delicious dessert. To enjoy different flavours, plant a white grape variety such as Fragola Bianca alongside it, with its exceptional aroma. Or try the thornless Navaho blackberry, which can be enjoyed fresh or cooked in desserts or jellies.