Vitis vinifera Moscato Giallo - Grape vine

The 'Moscato Giallo' Table Grape Vine is an ancient variety originating from the Mediterranean basin. It is a recognised grape variety used in the production of a multitude of wines, in Italy and Croatia for example. It is also a table grape, with a highly aromatic and musky flavour. The clusters are large, pyramidal, elongated, loose, with 1 or 2 wings, and weigh 400 to 500 g. The berries are medium-sized, with crisp, juicy, sweet flesh. This grape variety buds early and ripens in the third period: 30 days after Chasselas, which is after mid-September. This variety thrives in most neutral to limestone soils, well-drained in sunny exposure, even in slightly cooler climates.

The wine grape vine (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 vine, growing on the edge of forests and capable of reaching great heights in trees. The 'Moscato Giallo' is a magnificent Italian white grape, also known as Muscat Jaune, which tends to thrive in slightly cooler climates. That's why it is mainly found in the northern regions of Italy. DNA analysis of the grape suggests that it is the offspring of another grape, Moscato Bianco. It is best known as a grape variety that excels in the production of dessert wines, but it is also used to create dry white wines. Currently, around 360 hectares of Moscato Giallo are planted in Italy, the majority of which are in the Lagarina Valley, which is a province of Trento. Moscato Giallo is often blended with other grapes, adding a sweet touch to wines that could otherwise be too acidic. It is characterised by an intense aroma, with citrus notes being the main highlight, and pairs well with desserts and sweet pastries.

The 'Moscato Giallo' Vine is a vigorous climber with a rather upright habit, easily reaching 3 to 4 m in height and 2 to 3 m in spread if not pruned. It needs to be trained on a trellis or arbour, which it can quickly cover. Its foliage is a beautiful matte light green, with three or five-lobed leaves, toothed all around. Like most grapes, it is self-fertile. It blooms in May-June depending on the year and region, offering small hermaphroditic greenish flowers. They develop into fairly loose large clusters. The berries are medium-sized, oval-shaped, initially greenish-yellow and evolving to a golden yellow at maturity. These fruits are ready to be harvested after mid-September. With fairly thin skin, these grapes are sweet with a pleasant Muscat flavour. This variety is weakly resistant to diseases. It is susceptible to chlorosis and grey rot. It is a good idea to summer prune it to remove certain leaves so that the grapes are well exposed to the sun and can acquire that beautiful golden colour, a guarantee of their taste quality. This quite hardy (to -20°C), vine grows in full sun, in neutral to limestone soil, or even slightly acidic, well-drained. Ordinary soil is sufficient, even rocky, as it withstands drought well. Too rich soil or excessive fertilisation will benefit the vegetation more than the fruits. Just apply organic fertiliser after harvest for winter storage. Your vine will use it to restart well in the following spring.

The 'Moscato Giallo' Table Grape Vine can be consumed at the table or as juice, for example in a vitamin-packed fruit cocktail for breakfast. In general, grapes are rich in vitamin B, a source of fibre and manganese, and well-supplied with antioxidants. They are also believed to play a role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, and above all, they are a healthy, natural, and tasty dessert. To create original fruit salads, sow Cape Gooseberry or Peruvian Ground Cherry (Physalis peruviana) in late spring to harvest its amazing orange fruits from August to October. To enjoy grapes over a long period, plant other varieties of vines with staggered ripening.