Grape Vine 'Kentish Claret'
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Grape Vine 'Kentish Claret'

Vitis 'Rondo'

There's a really good story behind this; twenty five years or so ago we were lucky enough to be given some sample vines for evaluation purposes - one of these was a then un-named variety known by its breeder Code Name Gm 6494-5 (don't panic Gm doesn't mean its genetically modified!).

Recognising its potential to be an excellent black grape for the UK climate (due to it exceptional hardiness and vigour) we started working up stocks and chose to name it Kentish Claret - as the grape was obviously well suited for making claret style wines. During our move and troubles in 1994 we lost our stocks (or so we thought). Five years on, when planting up their first garden, Stephen and Serena happened to find a tatty old plant in a muddle of un-sorted stock. And from this one plant we have again built up our stocks of this wonderful vine! Along the way it was officially named 'Rondo' - but we prefer to keep our name of Kentish Claret.

This is a very high yielding black grape producing fruit of good size and an excellent flavour. Ideal for claret style wines but similarly makes flavoursome jams and jellies - or eat straight from the vine.

Harvest approximately late August - mid September.

Fruit contains seeds.

Suitable for both outdoor and indoor cultivation.

Parentage - Saperavi Servernyi x St Laurent

Supplied as a pot grown plant approximately 12" tall (including pot).

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