Vitis vinifera Muscat Bleu - Grape vine

The 'Muscat Bleu' grape is a variety of table and wine vine, originating from Switzerland. It is a self-fertile variety, with blue-black berries, whose juicy flesh is very sweet, with a slight muscat flavour. This moderately vigorous vine reaches a height of 3m (10ft) and a width of 2m (7ft). Hardy and resistant to common vine diseases, it is particularly unaffected by powdery mildew and grey rot, and relatively resistant to downy mildew, which is a definite advantage for garden cultivation. It is moderately demanding and grows well in ordinary but sufficiently fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun.

The wine grape vine (Vitis vinifera) grew wild over 5000 years ago in North and Central America, Europe, and Central and Eastern Asia. The wild subspecies, sylvestris, still exists and is a climbing vine that grows on the edge of forests and can reach great heights in trees. It was introduced for cultivation in France by the Phocaeans in Provence around 600 BC. The current varieties, called grape varieties in the case of the vine, are linked to the vinifera subspecies (although there are other cultivated species, but they are very minor). Economically, wine grapes dominate table grapes, with over 200 authorized grape varieties in France, the result of centuries of selection work.

The 'Muscat Bleu' is a fairly old hybrid, obtained in Switzerland in 1930 by breeder Charles Garnier in Geneva. This variety is the result of a cross between 15/6 'Garnier' (itself descended from 'Villard noir' and 'Müller-Thurgau') and 'Perle Noire'. This 'Muscat Bleu' is an interspecific hybrid, incorporating genes from 4 species of vine: Vitis vinifera (our "classic" vine), Vitis lambrusca (the American Raspberry Vine), Vitis rupestris (a small American vine), and Vitis aestivalis var. lincecumii (an American and Canadian vine). This variety, with its complex genetics, has many advantages. It is of moderate vigor, reaching a height of 3m (10ft). This self-fertile variety is quite recognizable by its entire or 3-lobed leaves, which are almost round in shape and have very pronounced toothed edges. This vine is used for wine, table grapes, and even as an ornamental plant. Its flowering in May-June, depending on the region, produces medium to large, conical, and fairly open clusters of fruits. In September, the round or slightly elliptical berries reach ripeness. They have a beautiful blue-black colour, medium size, with a moderately thick skin. Their firm and juicy flesh is well flavoured, with a slight muscat taste.  Unfortunately, this variety is prone to coulure and millerandage (abortion of flowers resulting in drops before ripening, and clusters consisting of grapes of different sizes and ripeness), this variety has a moderate yield and its productivity can be irregular. However, it is highly resistant to two serious diseases, powdery mildew and botrytis (grey rot), and fairly resistant to downy mildew. This makes it a very interesting variety for enthusiasts.

Being hardy (down to -20°C (-4°F) or even -25°C (-13°F)), this vine grows in full sun, in neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soil. This variety prefers deep and fertile soils, being more demanding than many other varieties adapted to frugality. Keep this in mind when planting by enriching the planting hole with good organic amendment. Also, apply organic fertilizer every year after harvest to store nutrients for winter. Your vine will use them to restart well in the following spring.

The 'Muscat Bleu' grape is a great choice for the garden thanks to its good disease resistance. Its moderate vigor also makes it easy to cultivate, especially on a trellis. You will enjoy its delicious sweet berries. In general, grapes are rich in B vitamins, a source of fibre and manganese, and they are also rich in antioxidants. They are believed to play a role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, and above all, they are a healthy, natural, and tasty dessert. To enjoy different flavours, plant a white grape variety like the Vigne 'Pied de Perdrix' with its equally sweet pulp. Or the Thornless 'Jumbo' Blackberry, which you can enjoy fresh or cooked in desserts or jellies.