With its shiny almost-black grapes and handsome vines, Chambourcin is one of the best of the French/American hybrids for home wine-making. Produces a delicious, deep richly-colored red wine.
Choose a spot in the garden with good drainage in full sun. Chambourcin belongs to a class of French-American hybrids that are crosses between native American grapes and Vitus vinifera.
PLANTING DIRECTIONS:
1. Plant in early spring as soon as your soil can be worked. Grapes will grow in most well draining soils with pH preferably between 5.6 and 6.4.
2. Place your rooted cutting in a hole large enough to spread roots in a downward outward fashion.
3. Fill hole, tamp soil around grape and water well. Prune cutting back to a single cane leaving 2-3 buds.
4. After danger of frost is past and growth has begun, remove all but the 2 strongest shoots per vine.
HARVEST TIME: Mid to late season
HABIT: Grapes require pruning and adapt well to many different shapes and forms. Ornamental trellises, arbors, or fences may be used to support your crop.
USAGE: Chambourcin produces a deep-colored wine with a full aromatic flavor. They are often served with dark chocolate (or desserts made from the chocolate), as the flavors of the wine and chocolate intermingle exceptionally well.
PLANTING TIPS: Keep well watered and weed free to ensure a good crop. Established grapes well adapted to your climate will produce grapes for many years. Prune your vines in early spring remembering that they bear fruit on one year old wood.
