Vitis x hybrida Francese Nera - Dessert Grape

The 'Francese Nera' vine is a hybrid variety of uncertain origin, known in Italy as the 'Black Grape of France' or 'Ecological Black' due to its natural resistance to diseases and phylloxera. It is a vine of good vigour and productivity. It produces fairly large, pyramid-shaped, elongated, winged, and rather compact clusters. The grapes are large, ellipsoidal in shape, with thin and tender skin, and a uniform blue-black colour. Harvest takes place from mid-September to mid-October depending on the region.

The wine grape vine (Vitis vinifera) grew wild over 5000 years ago. Many hybrids have been created to vary colours, flavours, and uses. The 'Francese Nera' vine, whose genealogy is unknown, is not a listed wine grape variety.

The 'Francese Nera' vine is a vigorous climber that can reach up to 5m. It is preferable to prune it long. Its final shape will depend on the pruning. It can cling to its support (trellis, espalier...) thanks to its large green tendrils and prefers sunny locations. This variety is highly resistant to diseases, well suited for amateur gardeners and organic cultivation.
Its smooth, cut foliage is a deep green in summer and turns a beautiful gold in autumn. It flowers in clusters in May, with small yellowish-green nectar-rich flowers. Its berries are uniformly dark blue, covered with a firm, powdery skin. They are round, medium to large, and uniform. Their taste is sweet and pleasant.

The grapes of the 'Francese Nera' vine can be consumed as table fruit, fresh, but also in jams, jellies, fruit juice, and pastries. The plant, as decorative as it is delicious, is interesting for adorning a pergola or arbour, as it generally requires no treatment. To extend the harvest period, associate it with other varieties of vines.