Grape Vine Kentish Claret

There's a really good story behind this grape vine; twenty five years or so ago we were lucky enough to be given some sample vines for evaluation purposes - one of these was an as-then-unnamed variety known by its breeder code name Gm 6494-5 (don't panic: Gm doesn't mean it's genetically modified).

Recognising its potential as an excellent black grape for the UK climate (due to its 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 which reminded us what a truly wonderful grape it is! Along the way it had been 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 it makes flavoursome jams and jellies Or eat the grapes straight from the vine.

• Originally from Germany.
• Parentage - Saperavi Servernyi x St Laurent.
• Late-season fruit ripening.
• Winter wood ripening is good so can be grown both outdoors or under protection (greenhouse, polytunnel or conservatory).
• Can be trained using either the cane replacement method or spur pruning.
• Self fertile.
• Fruit contains seeds.