Vitis vinifera Perlette - Grape Vine

The 'Perlette' vine is a variety of medium vigour. It produces medium to large clusters, often winged, and quite compact. The berries are like pearls, hence its name. Their moderately thick skin is white to golden yellow. The flesh is firm, with a slight Muscat aroma, and almost seedless. Harvest takes place in October. The 'Perlette' vine is somewhat susceptible to diseases. It is the variety cultivated in Morocco for the production of raisins.

The wine grape vine (Vitis vinifera) used to grow wild over 5000 years ago. Its introduction to France for cultivation was done by the Romans. Many hybrids have been developed to vary colours, flavours and uses. The 'Perlette' vine is a selected variety in the United States, in California, at the University of Davis, by Professor Harold P. Olmo, in 1936. It results from a cross-breeding: 'Queen of the vines' x 'Sultamine'.

A vigorous climbing shrub, the 'Perlette' vine can reach up to 5m (16ft). Its final shape will depend on the pruning practised. The vine clings to its support (trellis, espalier) thanks to its tendrils and likes sunny situations. It has a semi-erect to horizontal habit. It is recommended to train it on wire and to trellis it well. A long pruning is recommended. It is indifferent to soil type, not very demanding, and even prefers a dry and rocky soil. Its finely cut foliage, deep green in summer, sees the edges of its leaves turn red in autumn. Its flowering in clusters occurs in May, offering very small white-pink flowers. Its grapes in medium clusters ripen in October, depending on the regions. The berries are like pearls, hence its name. Their moderately thick skin is white to golden yellow. The flesh is firm, with a slight Muscat aroma, and almost seedless.

Grapes are consumed as table fruit, fresh, but also in jam, jelly, fruit juice, pastries, and of course, after vinification, as wine.