Victoria Red
Victoria Red is an interspecific hybrid (Vitis spp.) table grape variety with Pierce’s Disease (Xylella fastidiosa) tolerance. Vines are moderate vigor with an upright growth habit. Clusters are large averaging over a one pound with large, seeded berries. Victoria Red was released by the University of Arkansas, Texas A&M University, and Tarkington Vineyards in 2012.
Figures
Figure 1 Victoria Red vine
Figure 2 Victoria Red cluster
Figure 3 Victoria Red vines
Figure 4 Victoria Red leaves
Figure 5 Victoria Red cluster & leaf
Figure 6 Victoria Red cluster size
Origins and History
Victoria Red originated from a cross between Ark. 1123 x ‘Exotic’ in 1971 by Dr. Jim Moore. It was tested in Clarkesville, AR as selection Ark. 1475, but was later discarded after it experienced repeated winter injury. In Texas, Victoria Red was successfully grown for over twenty years in the Texas Gulf Coast, an area with extremely high Pierce’s Disease (PD) pressure and in North Texas. It was named and released in 2011.
Vine Traits
Victoria Red is fruitful on basal nodes and can be cordon-trained and spur pruned. It is moderately vigorous, but may benefit from grafting as own-root vines can be weak. Victoria Red has large clusters and a high yield potential (Table 1). Leaves are medium-sized, with pronounced teeth on margins. Berries are large and oval, typically containing from 1 to 4 seeds. Fruit maturation is early occurring in mid-July in Texas.
Vineyard Considerations
In Texas, vines trained to bilateral cordons and pruned to 2-bud spurs averaged 26 clusters/vine (Table 1). Clusters were large and very loose, with large spherical berries averaging 5.38 g. At the vine spacing used in the trial (8’ x 10’) yield was estimated at 7.44 tons/acre. Victoria Red is recommended for USDA cold hardiness zones 7b and warmer.
Quality
Victoria Red berries have a thin, tender skin and a moderately crunchy texture. Fruit has a mild fruity flavor. The seeds of Victoria Red are firm, but palatable. Fruit coloration increases with sun exposure and hang time. Fruit resists cracking from rainfall.
Tables
References
Moore, J.N, J.R. Clark, J. Kamas, L. Stein, F. Tarkington, and M. Tarkington. 2011. ‘Victoria Red’ Grape. HortScience. 46(5):817-820.
Contributor
Justin Scheiner
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Texas A & M.
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