Delaware Grapes

Delaware. This red grape is one of the oldest American varieties. It's exact origin is unknown, but it is apparently a chance seedling. Excellent in it's time, it was the standard of quality in grapes in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The clusters and berries are small, but sweet and with much less labrusca flavor than other grapes of it's time. It was prized for wines in early America and there are still a few wineries that make specialty wines with it. Delaware is also still a fine, fruity grape for eating and fresh juice. Delaware likes a fertile loam or slightly clay loam for good productivity. Hardy to about -10 to -15oF Train it to canes for best yield, though vines on fertile soil will give good crops even trained to cordons with spurs.