Herbert is one of the collection of grape varieties known as
Rogers' Hybrids, created by E.S. Rogers in the mid-19th century, and is the result of a cross of Carter, a selection of
Vitis labrusca
''Vitis labrusca'', the fox grape, is a species of grapevines belonging to the '' Vitis'' genus in the flowering plant family Vitaceae. The vines are native to eastern North America and are the source of many grape cultivars, including Catawb ...
, and
Black Hamburg (there are two varieties known by this name, but in this case it was probably
Schiava Grossa), a selection of
Vitis vinifera
''Vitis vinifera'', the common grape vine, is a species of flowering plant, native to the Mediterranean Basin, Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and southwestern Asia, from Morocco and Portugal north to southern Germany and east to northern ...
.
It was originally known as Rogers No. 44.
Herbert is female, and thus requires a second grape variety as a pollen source. Even then, Herbert tends towards straggly, poorly filled clusters. The black fruit ripens with Concord and keeps well. Although never extensively cultivated, it was a favorite of amateurs in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Hedrick considered the quality, at its best, to rival that of its vinifera parent.
References
Hybrid grape varieties
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