Vitis vinifera Philipp - Grape Vine

The 'Philipp' Vine is an original, early, disease-resistant variety, suitable for cultivation in all European regions. Its large, dense clusters bear black grapes of good taste quality, with a curious pear-shaped form that somewhat resembles that of Lucques olives. Harvest takes place, depending on the region, from mid-September to the beginning of October. The 'Philipp' vine, as ornamental as it is delicious, maintains beautiful foliage throughout the season. This variety is resistant to winter cold up to -20°C (-4°F) and is not demanding in terms of soil requirements.

The wine grape (Vitis vinifera) grew wild over 5000 years ago. Its introduction to France for cultivation was done by the Romans. Numerous hybrids have been created to offer variety in terms of colour, flavour, and use. The 'Philipp' vine is a French variety listed in the Official Catalog of Ornamental Vine Varieties. This recent variety was introduced to the market in 2010, created by an Austrian breeder and introduced by a Hungarian publisher.

As a vigorous climbing shrub, the 'Philipp' vine reaches an average height of 4m (13ft). Its final shape will depend on the pruning practiced. The vine naturally attaches itself to its support (trellis, espalier, etc.) thanks to its tendrils and thrives in sunny locations. It has a semi-erect to horizontal habit. It is recommended to train it on wire and trellis it properly. It is indifferent to soil types, being not very demanding, but it prefers clay-limestone, rocky soils. It will require careful pruning. Its medium-green, serrated foliage is not very susceptible to mildew, which avoids the need for repeated treatments. Its cluster flowering occurs from April to May, with tiny white-pink flowers.

Its grapes are gathered in long, tightly packed clusters. They have a characteristic shape, pointed at their ends, resembling small pears. These berries, initially green, ripen in September-October, earlier in sunnier climates. The small berries are black-violet at maturity, with thick, pruinose skin. The flesh is flavourful, particularly aromatic, and sweet.

The grapes are consumed as table fruit, fresh, but also in jams, jellies, fruit juice, pastry, and of course, after vinification, as wine or spirits. This 'Philipp' variety, stunning, intriguing, surprising, is also an ornamental plant that can be trellised near the terrace, to have its beautiful clusters within reach.