Why is it that these almost inedible grapes grow by the million, whereas my delicious eating grapes produce hardly anything.
The above are Baco or Bacco; a rootstock vine that was imported into France after the late 19th C Phylloxera epidemic. We have them climbing all around the front of our house, and they produce grapes by the wheel-barrow load.
My eating grapes on the other hand, that I grow at Haddock's, have about 4 bunches between 6 separate vines.
The Baco grapes make great juice, but otherwise they are harvested and taken directly to the compost, otherwise Hornets swoop on them, and people become nervous.
If only there was a good eating grape with the vigour and productivity of my Baco, I'd be a happy bunny.
They're very pretty, though! I would use big bowls of grapes as table garnish :)
ReplyDeleteThat's probably the best use for them. I did try to make wine with them, but it tasted of petrol.
DeleteWhat if you grafted the good ones onto the Baco?
ReplyDeleteKnowing my luck, they'd probably refuse to grow.
DeleteI bet the front of your house looks very luscious though. My vine in the greenhouse produces hardly anything either and is a blooming nuisance - I can't get rid of the damn thing.
ReplyDeleteIt does look good; especially at this time of year. It's when they start to ripen that we panic.
DeleteI remember you mentioning this last year. Is there anyone nearby who makes juice and would like to use them?
ReplyDeleteI think they're destined for the compost heap.
DeleteEven they're small it's better than nothing :)
ReplyDeleteYou could clip the fruit off before it matures if you aren't going to use it and are nervous about the hornets! They are very pretty vines. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's what we do. Otherwise the Hornets turn up in droves.
DeleteEvery vine in france has a rootstock from your unwanted vines, they saved the French wine industry, yet another instance of the French being bailed out by the USA. For those that like French wine this should be a souirce of joy and wonder, for those like me who cannot stand the stuff, it is a matter of indifference...
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