Vitis vinifera Chasselas Fontainebleau - Grape vine

The Golden Chasselas of Fontainebleau is a reference variety in the world of grapevines. This table grape variety, one of the most appreciated among white grapes, can also be used for winemaking. It produces medium-sized clusters of golden yellow grapes with thin skin and juicy pulp, with a very pleasant flavour. This very old grape variety can be pruned short or long and is not very susceptible to grey rot and mites. However, it is susceptible to powdery mildew, wood diseases, and grape worms. This vine thrives in most neutral to limestone soils, well-drained and sunny. It is resistant to cold temperatures.

The wine grape (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 liana, growing on the edge of forests and capable of reaching great heights in trees. Its introduction in France for cultivation was done by the Phocaeans in Provence, around 600 BC. The current varieties, referred to as grape varieties, are linked to the subspecies vinifera (although there are other cultivated species, but very minor ones). Economically, wine grapes predominate over table grapes, with over 200 authorized varieties in France, the result of centuries of selection work.

This ancient variety, the Golden Chasselas of Fontainebleau vine was supposedly sent from Cahors to Fontainebleau by King Henry IV before 1600. In reality, according to certain genetic studies, it is believed to originate from Switzerland, or perhaps from Burgundy. A vigorous climbing vine, the Golden Chasselas of Fontainebleau vine is a climber that can easily reach a height or spread of 5m (16ft) if not pruned. Its final shape will depend on the pruning practiced. A vine with very long tendrils in the case of this variety, it nonetheless needs to be attached to its support to help it stand and climb: trellis, fence, arbor, pergola... It is also a frugal sun-loving plant, not very demanding, which even prefers a soil that is both clayey and rocky, with a tendency towards limestone, but can be sensitive to prolonged drought. Its leaves are reddish when they emerge in spring, then take on an almost pentagonal shape, with 5 slightly cut lobes. Its flowering occurs in May-June depending on the year and region, offering very small greenish flowers gathered in medium-sized conical clusters. They produce golden yellow berries, also of medium size, ripening in August and September depending on the region. These berries with thin skin have very juicy and flavourful pulp. Note that the clusters can be subject to millerandage, meaning that some berries abort, while others develop imperfectly, both in size and ripeness.

Very hardy (up to -20°C, or even -25°C), this vine grows in full sun, in an ordinary, even rocky soil, as long as it is not too dry. Not very susceptible to grey rot and mites, this vine is sensitive to powdery mildew, which should be monitored and treated with sulfur if necessary. It is also prone to wood diseases (excoriosis and eutypiosis) as well as grape worms.

The Golden Chasselas of Fontainebleau grapes can be consumed as table grapes or in juice, for example in a vitamin-packed fruit cocktail for breakfast. To enjoy a variety of flavors, plant the astonishing 'Philipp' black grape vine alongside it, with its curious pear-shaped elongated berries. A self-fertile 'Issai' Kiwi will also allow you to enrich your autumn fruit salads with calcium and vitamin C.