Grapevine variety selection is becoming an increasingly complex decision, considering potential marketability, yield, quality, environmental adaptability, ripening time, pest and disease resistance, and other traits. Importation and grape breeding programs have increased the diversity of grape varieties available to growers in the USA, but reliable descriptive information, and quality and agronomic data, may be limited or spread among many websites. The aim of this website is to compile science-based information on wine, table, and raisin grape varieties and provide search tools to help growers find varieties that meet their needs.
Grape Varieties
Autumn King
Autumn King is a late-season white-skinned table grape (Vitis vinifera L.), typically ripening in late October in the San Joaquin Valley. It is notable for its very large berries (>9 g natural berry weight), and high yield potential. Head-training and cane-pruning is recommended. Preliminary reports suggested Autumn King vineyards will yield 700-800 22 lb boxes of fruit per acre each year (Hashim-Buckey and Ramming), but more recently it was suggested the variety could produce 1,800 19 lb boxes/acre annually (Fidelibus et al., 2018). The difference in yield estimates depends, in part, on berry size, as original yield estimates were based on natural berry size of approximately 10 g, but optimal cultural practices can substantially increase berry size. Autumn King is patented and licensed exclusively to the California Table Grape Commission.
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Biancu Gentile
Biancu Gentile is an old French variety from the island of Corsica (Robinson et al., 2012). The fruit are rich in thiols, imparting a character reminiscent of Sauvignon blanc. Acidity declines quickly on ripening, negatively affecting fruit quality.
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Black Spanish
Black Spanish is an interspecific hybrid (Vitis aestivalis x Vitis vinifera L.) red wine grape variety that’s Pierce’s Disease (Xylella fastidiosa) tolerant. Vines are moderate vigor with an upright growth habit and large leaves. In Texas, Black Spanish is productive, producing deeply colored red wines often finished in a Port style. Downy mildew can be a problem under humid, wet conditions. In the U.S., Black Spanish is also known as Lenoir, but in Europe is it primarily known as Jacquez.
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