Description
Red Italy is a trade name for Italia Rubi, also called Red Italia or Italia Rossa: a red-skinned bud mutation of the famous white Italia table grape, found in Brazil. Apart from its colour it matches Italia, with very large, conical bunches, large to very large, firm berries with seeds, and a clear muscat flavour. It is a late grape that stores well after picking.
Characteristics
Red table grape; colour mutation of Italia; seeded; muscat flavour; very large conical bunches; large to very large berries; very vigorous; late season, about four weeks after Chasselas; keeps well in storage
Growing Tips
Grow it like Italia: a very vigorous vine that needs a solid trellis and long pruning, though Californian advisers also spur-prune Italia. It ripens late, about four weeks after Chasselas. French trials rate Italia sensitive to downy mildew and grey rot, so keep the bunch zone airy.