Grapes, White 'Vidal Blanc' (Live Plant)

Key Characteristics

• Origin: Vidal Blanc is a hybrid white grape variety developed in the 1930s by French grape breeder Jean-Louis Vidal. His primary goal was to create a grape suitable for Cognac production in the colder, maritime regions of western France. It is a cross between Ugni Blanc (also known as Trebbiano Toscano) and another hybrid variety, Rayon d'Or (Seibel 4986).
• Patent Status: Vidal Blanc grapes are not currently under an active plant patent. As a variety developed in the 1930s and widely propagated since, patent protection would have long expired.
• Berry Production: Vidal Blanc produces medium-sized, round, light green to golden-yellow berries. The berries have thick skins, which contribute to their good resistance to rot and allow them to hang on the vine late into the season. The clusters are typically medium to large and compact.
• Ripening Time: Vidal Blanc is considered a late-ripening grape variety, typically harvested in late September to October in many growing regions. Its late bud break helps it avoid most spring frosts.
• Plant Size and Appearance: Vidal Blanc is a vigorous vine with a semi-upright growth habit. It requires a strong trellis system for support. The vines are known for their winter hardiness and ability to recover well after spring frosts due to fruitful secondary buds.
• Flowers: The flowers are typical of grapevines, small and greenish-white, appearing in the spring. Vidal Blanc is self-pollinating (self-fertile).
• Hardiness: Vidal Blanc is a very winter-hardy variety, generally suitable for USDA Zones 5 through 9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F).
• Pollination: Vidal Blanc is self-fertile and does not require another variety for pollination.
• Growing Conditions:
  • Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth and fruit development (at least 8 hours per day).
  • Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and is adaptable to various soil types, including upland alluvial and clay soils. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal.
  • Watering: Requires moderate and consistent moisture, especially during the growing season.
  • Fertilizing: Generally, a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring is beneficial. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
  • Pruning: Requires annual pruning during the dormant season to manage yield and vine vigor. It can be trained onto various systems like Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP), High Wire (HW), or Geneva Double Curtain.
• Uses: Vidal Blanc grapes are versatile and used to produce a variety of wine styles, including:
  • Dry to semi-dry white wines: Often described as crisp and fruity with notes of citrus (grapefruit), pear, apple, and sometimes tropical fruit like pineapple.
  • Sweet wines: Its high acidity balances well with residual sugar, making it suitable for late-harvest wines.
  • Ice wines: Especially popular in Canada and the Finger Lakes region of New York due to its thick skin and cold hardiness, which allow it to withstand freezing temperatures while maintaining quality. These wines often exhibit flavors of honey, apricot, and caramel.
  • Sparkling wines: Its acidity also makes it a candidate for sparkling wine production.
  • It was initially intended for Cognac (brandy) production.
• Wildlife Value: Grapevines can provide some habitat and food source for wildlife, though cultivated varieties are primarily managed for fruit production. The flowers attract some pollinators.
• Ornamental Value: Grapevines can add visual interest to a landscape, especially when trained on an arbor or trellis.
• Disease and Pest Resistance: Vidal Blanc exhibits good resistance to downy mildew and performs well against black rot. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew. Its thick skin provides resistance to fruit rots.