Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Italia, also known as Pirovano 65 and Italia Bianca, is the classic Italian white table grape. Angelo Pirovano bred it in 1911 from Bicane × Muscat Hamburg. It forms very large, conical bunches of large to very large, oval, white berries. They have firm, juicy flesh and a pleasant flavour that ranges from a light muscat to plain. It ripens late and stores and ships well.
Characteristics
White table grape; large to very large oval berries; seeded; firm, juicy flesh; light muscat to simple flavour; very large conical bunches; very strong vigour; late ripening; good storage and transport
Growing Tips
Italia is extremely vigorous, so train it on a strong trellis and cane-prune it long. It is sensitive to downy mildew and grey rot, so keep the canopy open around the bunches and protect it in wet weather. It needs a long, warm season to ripen fully.