Vitis vinifera Smeralda - Grapevine

The 'Smeralda' grapevine is an ancient Italian variety known as 'Smeralda Nera', 'd'Ophelia' or 'Fragola nera Precoce'. It is a vigorous and productive variety, also useful for its natural resistance to diseases. It produces large clusters filled with very large black, almost seedless grapes, with strawberry aromas. Its grapes, traditionally used to make red wine, can also be consumed as they are, in juice or in jams. The harvest takes place from August 10th to September 15th, depending on the region, the year and the climate. This vine requires little maintenance while being tasty and attractive. It can be grown in the garden, on a pergola, in a container, or trained against a wall.

Vitis 'Smeralda' is a deciduous climbing fruit plant belonging to the Vitaceae family, like all grapevines. One of its ancestors is Vitis vinifera, a species cultivated since ancient times in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Close to the 'Fragola Nera', this variety is earlier. It also has genes from Vitis labrusca, a North American species that has passed on its natural resistance to phylloxera, which infects the roots of European vines. Its grapes have also inherited the thick skin of this parent, as well as its particular flavour (strawberry aromas).

The 'Smeralda' grapevine develops serpentine stems with tendrils that can exceed 5m in length over time. It forms a trunk which is often knotty and twisted, covered with fibrous, brown bark that flakes off in strips as it ages. Its long green stems bear beautiful round, medium-green leaves, with serrated edges, turning yellow before falling in autumn. It blooms in late spring, from May to June depending on the region, in the form of dense clusters, with a pyramidal to cylindrical shape, loaded with tiny green flowers. After pollination by bees, the berries we call grapes are formed. Under their dark purple, thick and powdery skin, the pale green, juicy, sweet flesh, with few seeds, reveals an intense aroma of wild strawberry. They can be consumed at the table or used for winemaking. This variety is very hardy, resistant to diseases, and easy to grow in any well-drained garden soil. It is pruned in late winter, after the frost, above 3 buds (buds) to promote the formation of new shoots that will flower.

Planted in a sunny spot, the 'Smeralda' grapevine will be very decorative along a wall, on a pergola, a trellis, in the ground or in a large container on a terrace. This vigorous variety is also widely planted for garden ornamentation, thanks to its decorative foliage.