Grape varieties: features and differences

What a gardener does not dream of having beautiful vines decorated his garden, which would bring a stable harvest annually.Of course, those who make the first steps in the field of viticulture, you must first find out what grape varieties exist, what are their features and differences, which ones are suitable for certain regions and how to properly care for them.

Grapes are very useful and tasty fresh, but also it is an excellent product for processing. Dried grapes turn into raisins that are equally useful and trace element rich in trace elements. Compotes, juices, wine are made from it, it is included as an ingredient in various dishes.

Grapes has more than five thousand different varieties. Such a huge amount suggests that before you choose a certain variety, you need to decide for what purpose the grapes will be grown and which variety, respectively, is preferable. After all, there are early varieties that ripen in the first half of summer, and there are later varieties that gain their strength only by autumn, and the harvest comes at the end of September, and there are hybrid varieties that combine the best qualities.

According to the ripening period, the grapes are divided into seven groups. In the distribution in this case, it is customary to take into account how much time elapses from the moment the buds bud before the fruit ripens. Thus, the superearly varieties ripen in up to three months, medium early - up to three and a half months, early ones - up to four months.

Early-average varieties approach maturity of four and a half months, medium - within the same limits, but can ripen later only by a few days. Another week is added to the average. Middle-late varieties will yield a little less than five months, and very late - a little more than five.

Of course, for many, the determining factor when choosing a grape is its taste. Some people like fruit notes, others like vanilla. Someone loves sweetness, but someone needs sourness.

The taste of grapes also depends on its variety. There are dining, technical, seedless and universal species.

Dining in most cases suitable for eating fresh berries, their taste, as well as the appearance - at a height. The berries are usually large, with a sweet or sour-sweet taste, juicy flesh. Technical, mainly used for processing. They produce juices and wine. Their main difference is the high content of juice in the fruits, they themselves are small in size, but the yield is good. From seedless it is convenient to receive raisin, universal are used in different areas.

Tastes grapes can be divided into four groups.

1. The taste is ordinary, in other words - neutral, implies that there is sweetness and acid in the berry, but in some varieties there is more sourness, and in others - sweets. Other pronounced notes are not present.
2. The name of taste. Muscat speaks for itself, there must necessarily be a nutmeg note.
3. Solanaceae will be different in that there will be a herbal tint in taste, in tune with the taste of solanaceous fruits.
4. Berry or fruity notes, such as strawberry, pineapple or currant, are characteristic of the taste of the isabel.

Each variety has its pros and cons. The choice of a person who starts growing grapes is based on his personal tastes and preferences and on the purpose for which grapes are grown - for consumption of fresh berries or for further processing.

These varieties are usually grown for the production of wines - white, red, pink. The description of these berries is different from other varieties. By themselves, they are not large, and the brushes look very compact.They contain more juice and an optimal amount of sugar. In addition, these varieties respond well to processing, are less susceptible to fungal infections and are more resistant to the attack of harmful insects.

The most popular Chardonnay variety. The bush is medium in size, the berries are green in color, they may have a golden sheen. The shape is round or slightly elongated. The weight of the bunch can reach a weight of one kilogram. Usually wine or wine material is made from this variety. The grapes ripen for four and a half months. But it belongs to cold-resistant varieties and can withstand temperatures up to -20 degrees. Therefore, it can be safely grown in central Russia, and not just in the south.

But the variety "Bianca" is different in that there are notes of vanilla in its taste. It ripens significantly faster "Chardonnay" - from three to four months. And its cold resistance can reach 30 degrees with a minus sign.

“Muscat” is less resistant to diseases, and it is unable to tolerate frosts, it also does not need excessive moisture, but it considerably surpasses the two previous varieties in sugar content.

Does not like high humidity and Sauvignon Blanc, but more tolerant of pests. It is not allowed to over-ripen the berries, they will become unsuitable for further processing. It ripens for three and a half months, but its yield is low.

"Riesling" - the recognized king of wine-making because of its original notes, but its frost resistance and resistance to pests are not at the highest level. But those who appreciate its taste, are ready to grow it and follow all the rules of agricultural technology.

For the manufacture of red wines choose varieties "Merlot", "Saperavi", "Cabernet Sauvignon". They are united by the color of the berries - dark blue. “Merlot” is distinguished by a wax bloom, clusters are small, only weighing about 150 grams, the nightshade dominates, and frosts of over 15 degrees grapes of this variety can destroy. Saperavi also has small, very juicy berries, frosts up to 20 degrees it can withstand without shelter. Each grape weighing only one gram can be two or three seeds. "Cabernet Sauvignon" is distinguished by a thin shade of currant, the berries are able to maintain their attractive appearance for a very long time, they are convenient for transportation.

External and flavor data of such grapes - at the height. The berries are beautiful, large with juicy fleshy pulp, the taste is very pleasant, moderately sweet. This variety retains its attractive appearance even with long-term transportation. Reviews of winegrowers with experience suggest to beginners that it is best to start in your garden with these varieties, which will give you delicious berries and will decorate the site. These varieties are also a great many, and, perhaps, to determine the best for yourself, you will have to grow several species in order to understand the advantages of each.

Reviews of many growers say that the variety is very good "Delight"which is appreciated for early ripening and a very pleasant muscat flavor. And for the northerners, this is generally a find, since it is able to withstand frosts almost to -30 degrees. In addition, after maturation, it can still be on the branches for a long time and will not lose its qualities.

Gardeners call the “cache” an improved version of this variety. It belongs to the medium early, its berries are light green, very sweet, with a slightly noticeable sourness.Clusters tolerate transportation, and the plant itself is resistant to frost.

"Strasensky" is distinguished by black fruits. Clusters are heavy, weighing up to one kilogram. The variety belongs to medium-early varieties, clusters ripen gradually, the crop is collected in stages, which reduces the load on the plant. Strashensky is not suitable for transportation and long storage.

For lovers of nutmeg, “Laura” is suitable, the variety ripens earlier than many others, the weight of the bunch can exceed two kilograms. Frosts up to -20 degrees are not terrible for him, as are some diseases, among which, for example, gray rot.

The nutmeg note is also present in the Talisman variety. It tolerates frosts well, large clusters (more than a kilogram) can stay on a bush for a long time and will not lose either an attractive appearance or taste.

“Moldova” has a purple color, the clusters look very nice and are long preserved on the bush. The variety ripens late and is not frost resistant, but it is not susceptible to fungal diseases.

"Lady fingers" - many favorite variety. The elongated shape of the berries and juicy flesh attracts gardeners. They undertake to grow it despite the difficulties associated with caring for it. Immunity to diseases and pests in the vines is very low, so even small frosts are contraindicated in this variety. Growing this variety novice gardeners will not be easy.

These varieties are derived by crossing certain varieties and combine the best qualities. Some of them are less susceptible to disease, others produce a large crop, and others have a richer taste. They are grown for consumption and for the manufacture of juice or wine, it all depends on the selected grade.

The grapes of the variety “Arcadia” were obtained by crossing the varieties “Cardinal” and “Moldova”. It has absorbed all the best: large two-kilogram clusters, good frost resistance and ability to resist diseases that affect many other varieties. An increased amount of moisture leads to bursting of fruit. So you need to take watering seriously, especially if it rains periodically.

A hybrid called "Timur", having a taste of nutmeg, gives bright berries with amber tint. Resistance to frost and a number of diseases, as well as early maturation make this variety popular among gardeners.

This group combines all varieties that are to be processed for the purpose of making wine, juices, nectars, beverages, and fruit drinks. Usually they give a very large crop and almost 90 percent are made up of juice, with both berries and small fruits. All wine varieties are just technical, this is their second name.

Many other tasty delicacies are prepared from technical combs, for example, churchkhela, syrup, sherbet, grape honey, jam. But from the waste they prepare oil, vinegar, acid, which are used in cooking.

Many people like seedless grapes, so they are grown for fresh consumption, as well as for making raisins from it.

One of the most popular varieties that do not have stones, is White Kishmish. The small oblong berries have a sweetish taste. But one should not expect too high yields from it. Also have to take care of protection from pests.

"Vanessa" - grapes with pink seedless berries. On fertile soils, its yield is high, and on the poor, where there are few useful substances, the harvest will be much less. Meaty large berries with a fruity aroma like many.

It is difficult to select the best among such a huge number of varieties, and this rating may change every year. Indeed, every year the winegrowers produce new varieties, trying to create such that they meet the highest requirements to the maximum: they have a pleasant taste, give a good harvest every year, are resistant to diseases and frosts, have been stored for a long time and are subject to transportation.

"Isabel" - one of the oldest and widespread varieties. It is considered universal, that is, dining-technical. From it make wine, juice, consumed fresh. It does not require too complex care, but the crop always pleases gardeners. If you properly care for the vine, you can get a brush weighing more than two kilograms. The berry has a rich blue color, ripens in October. Many gardeners, especially in regions with a harsh climate, prefer to grow uncovered varieties. "Isabella" to such and applies. It withstands temperatures up to -30 degrees. But if such frosts are raging all the time, it is better to err and cover the vine. Frosts up to -20 degrees tolerate this variety with endurance.

Variety "Victor"on the contrary, it is imperative to cover for the winter, and the covering material is not removed until April, when the risk of frost is zero. Berries ripen early, have a pinkish tint. The variety needs fertilizing, timely watering and enough sun.

Rochefort It belongs to early ripening varieties, it has dense skin and fleshy flesh. With proper care, which is regular feeding, pruning and optimally selected plot, it gives a good harvest. Disease resistance cannot be called high, so Rochefort needs additional protection.

"Crystal" suitable for fresh consumption, and for the manufacture of juices. In industry, it is used for the production of dry wines. Its berries are almost white or pale yellow, clusters are small, their weight is only about 200 grams.

Baikonur obtained by merging varieties "Pretty Woman" and "Talisman", from which he took the best qualities. Among them - good yields, great taste, large clusters, immunity to frost, early ripening. The variety was bred only five years ago, but it was appreciated by winegrowers from different regions.

"Lydia" - a common variety of both gardeners and industrial applications. It is suitable for the production of juices and wines. Pink large berries have a dense skin that allows you to transport grapes over long distances. But after maturation, the clusters are not left on the bush, as they may fall off.

"Beautiful girl" does not differ too high yield, but gives fruits stably, berries from dark pink to purple shades, sweet taste, with a slight hint of vanilla. This variety is not afraid of frost within -20 degrees, it is not afraid of an excessive amount of sunlight. But the berries are prone to bursting, so it is advisable not to overload the bushes, and make sure that the clusters are placed evenly. To do this, you need to cut the grapes in time and harvest as it ripens.

Ruslan refers to large-fruited varieties, the berries are very large, oblong, blue, in taste you can feel the plum color. Its skin is thin, and if it rains heavily, it can crack.Grapes ripen early, in August you can enjoy great taste. Experienced gardeners note one amazing thing. If the berries in the bunch are sick, they fall away, and the rest are not exposed to this scourge. The harvest taken on time is well kept and suitable for transportation.

Zilga created for the northern regions. It can and not cover for the winter, but you need to plant near the wall on the south side. So the plant will receive the required amount of sunlight and will be protected from the wind. The variety is prone to forming a large number of shoots, so you need to cut them in time and make sure that the whips are not intertwined with each other. If this process is left to chance, the crop will decrease, and it will be problematic to collect it. When ripe, blue round beautiful berries can hang on the bush for a long time and please the eye, they will not lose their attractiveness and will not spoil. Early ripening is also very convenient for the northern regions.

"Bazhena" treats those grades which do not transfer frosts. Therefore, it is better to grow it in warm areas, and even in the middle lane very carefully cover for the winter. Berries of the original form in the form of cones of green color, very juicy and sweet. The clusters are heavy, so in order not to overload the plant, you need to think in advance about its proper formation and pruning in time, thus controlling the appearance of inflorescences and their uniform distribution.

"Saperavi" grow true lovers of grapes and homemade wine. Blue appetizing oval berries taste very good. Shrubs tolerate drought and light frost well. It is necessary to control the number of leaves that surround the bunch. On the one hand, it is necessary that they serve as a cover from the scorching rays, but on the other hand, they should not create excessive shadow. So you need to try to achieve a golden mean.

"Arched" - One of the common varieties, berries are juicy and large, their skin is dense, but not everyone likes this variety because of the large number of seeds. But in general, grapes are convenient for growing. It is not too afraid of frost, it is also resistant to drought, and the berries on the bush can persist for a long time and will not lose their excellent taste, as well as the appearance of an attractive look. Transportation also does not harm him.

When deciding to start the first steps on the path of growing grapes you need to understand: no matter in which corner of Russia these experiments will begin, the main thing is to choose the right variety, focusing on the climatic conditions of the region, their own preferences and opportunities.

Any grape loves sunny spaces protected from the wind. Picking up the site for him, you need to remember this.

It is better to buy seedlings in special nurseries, at experimental stations or from experienced growers. In all these places they will not spoil their reputation by selling substandard plants, and they will also tell about the best varieties that are adapted specifically for this region and suggest the rules of cultivation and secrets by which grapes please gardeners with a good harvest year after year.

For novice winegrowers living in the Far East or Siberia, experienced gardeners are advised not to rush to the permanent site of planting the vine. You can hold the first year seedlings, as they say, in greenhouse conditions. You can plant them in buckets and lightly prikopat earth, in the late autumn to bring into the room. A basement and a veranda, where it is still much warmer than outside, will be suitable, and land them in the ground in early spring. Using this method, you can get the first harvest earlier. Especially this method is necessary for those varieties that can withstand low temperatures, within 15-20 degrees of frost.

It is necessary to plant bushes in a certain order, observing certain distances, and there are different norms for different varieties. For technical varieties, the distance between the seedlings is about a meter, and the table is at least one and a half meters, between rows - from two to two and a half.

The climate also plays a very important role. For the Leningrad region, where there is high humidity, those varieties that are susceptible to moisture will not work, and berries tend to crack from frequent rains. It is better to choose those that more calmly tolerate rainy weather.

For Chernozem region, you can choose those species that easily tolerate small frosts, or taking into account the nuances of a particular variety. It is important not to forget to cover the bushes for the winter.

Grapes can be grown in almost any region, and the correct variety for this climate will be the key to success, the rest of the vine requires just good care: timely feeding, fertilizer, watering, pruning, treatment against pests, and proper harvesting. It’s not for nothing that all the gardeners of Russia grow grapes, and the northern regions are not an exception, they just have to spend more time and energy on the cultivation and care of these fruits.

But these berries are so attractive gardeners from different parts of the world that every year there are new varieties that are more resistant to weather factors and other external manifestations. So everyone has a chance to try to grow their own grapes, and maybe get carried away with this activity. By the way, it is easy to propagate it yourself by cuttings. So there is always the opportunity to increase your personal vineyard, if the area of ​​the infield allows.

For beginners, it is recommended to choose more unpretentious varieties, such as "Aleshenkin" or "Agat Donskoy", "Crystal" or "Liepaja amber", "Platovsky" or "Anniversary of Novgorod".

For the first time, it is enough to choose several seedlings to understand how, in practice, tips on caring for grapes and how a particular variety manifests itself. And the variety of varieties for beginners will also be superfluous. You can opt for 3-4 varieties, but no more.

Review the best grapes in the next video.