Table Grapes

Italian Grapes

Italy is the world's largest producer of "table grapes" (Vitis vinifera), accounting for 21% of all grapes harvested worldwide. Italian table grape production is concentrated in southern Italy, in the Apulia (65%) and Sicily (25%) regions of the country. Italians consume about 8 pounds per capita per year. The United States imported 1,800 tons of grapes in 2002 from Italy.

Italian Table Grape Varieties

Vittoria :

Vittoria originates from Romania and is a cross between the Cardinal and Aluz Ali varieties. Vittoria gained popularity in Europe throughout the last decade, being the only early table grape variety with consistently large fruits. The berries are cylindrical-conic, the clusters are generally winged, and it is highly resistant to both squeezing and picking.

Italia (Muscat):

Obtained by crossing the Bicane and Hamburg Muscatel grapes, Italia (Muscat) is certainly one of the most popular varieties of table grapes in the world due to its appearance and flavor, as well as its hardiness in withstanding handling and shipping. Italia grapes have large, consistent fruit with a lovely golden-yellow color, and a delicate, pleasant musky flavor.

Red Globe:

The red globe variety originates from California but does well in other parts of the world, including Italy. It gained popularity in Europe during the second half of the 1990's, and its production is increasing. The large, remarkable clusters of the Red Globe contain plum-side seeded berries.

Table grapes - Commercialization periods in Italy