Perlette is an early-maturing, seedless white table grape variety prized for its crisp texture and mild, sweet flavor. Developed in California, it produces large clusters of round, green-to-golden berries ideal for fresh eating or raisins. Perlette originated in the USA from a 1936 cross by breeder H.P. Olmo at the California Agricultural Experiment Station in Davis. It’s a hybrid of Reine des Vignes (also known as Scolokertek kiralynoje) and Sultanina (Thompson Seedless parent). Released in 1946, its name means “little pearl” in French, referencing the berries’ frosted, translucent appearance. The vines show moderate to strong vigor with semi-erect growth, requiring long pruning and training on supports. Berries are firm, juicy, and seedless, ripening mid-July in suitable climates with low sugar needs for palatability. Yields are high, often double that of Thompson Seedless.
