It is generally accepted to consider grapes as a plant that grows exclusively in southern countries. This opinion is erroneous and irrelevant today. Thanks to domestic and foreign breeders, the range of varieties is periodically replenished with new developments, adapted to different climatic conditions, information about which is presented below.
Growing grapes in different regions of Russia
The territory of Russia is vast, so the climate in the regions can differ significantly. In many parts of the country, a crop such as grapes is successfully grown. In addition, the vine is unpretentious to the soil, the only exceptions are saline and wetlands. Before planting a seedling, the soil is fertilized with organic matter. It is enough to enrich the soil once a year. When choosing a place, it is worth considering that the life cycle of a plant is approximately 25-30 years, so an indent of 1.5 m is necessary from the walls of the fence and buildings. The best planting time is autumn, namely September. But the timing may vary depending on the climatic characteristics of the regions.
To consistently take a good harvest from the vine, you need to choose varieties that are recommended for growing in certain conditions.
Krasnodar region
The climatic conditions of the Krasnodar Territory are considered ideal for grapes, therefore the best varieties are grown on this territory. The ratio of warm days per year, average rainfall and sunlight makes a good foundation for stable fruiting in vineyards.
The main grape production is concentrated in the Anapo-Taman zone. The harvested crop is distributed to other industries for processing and markets for fresh consumption. Harvesting season begins from the third decade of July and lasts until mid-October.
In the Krasnodar Territory, grapes are grown both in an open way and using a shelter.
It is impossible to list all the varieties grown on the territory of the Krasnodar Territory, since the vineyards are constantly replenished with new developments of breeders. The following types of culture are considered the most popular:
Madeleine Angevin
A vigorous plant with an early ripening period. Harvesting begins in mid-August. Productivity depends on the quality of pollination, the best pollinator is Chasselas, so both crops are planted next door. The average weight of a bunch reaches 180-200 grams. The berries contain 15% sugar and 6.7% acid.
Pearl Saba
The berries ripen in late July - early August. The yield is high (over 8 kg per bush), stepchildren bear fruit abundantly. After planting the shanks, the plant bears fruit for 2-3 years. The ratio of sugar content (16%) and acidity (7.3%) is close to the ideal value. It has strong immunity, resists fungal diseases. Due to the shortage of planting material, reproduction by grafting is practiced.
Shasla white
It is one of the main ones, which is massively grown in the Krasnodar Territory. The plant enters the fruiting phase early (already in the 2nd year), the bush is formed of medium size, the immunity is strong, which can be traced in resistance to fungal diseases. The berry is distinguished by its high taste (sugar 15%, acid 6.7%) and good transportability.
Chaush
An early maturing variety, found throughout the region, but in small quantities. The harvest is ready for harvest in the third decade of August. On tall bushes, large clusters are abundantly formed, the weight of which reaches 420-500 grams. Productivity depends on the quality of pollination, the best pollinator is Chasselas, so both crops are planted in close proximity. Indicators of sugar content - 14%, acidity - 6%.
Hungarian Muscat
The plant enters the fruiting phase in the 3rd year after planting of seedlings. Muscat bushes are medium-sized with actively developing vines. The honey flavor of the berries indicates a high sugar content (over 20%), with a relatively low acidity (6.5%). A bunch of medium size weighs up to 160-170 grams. Designed for fresh berries and for processing into juices.
Senso
The plant is native to France, has a high yield. More than 7 kg of berries are removed from the bush. The grapes reach ripeness by the second half of September. The berries are large in size, dark blue in color with a characteristic waxy coating. The taste harmoniously combines sugar content (18.3%) and acidity (7%). The mass of a bunch of medium size is 232 grams.
Crimea
No less varied menu of grape varieties grown on the peninsula. The total number of varieties is close to a hundred. Favorable climatic conditions and soil fertility contribute to high yields. The lack of precipitation is compensated by the arrangement of the vineyards with a drip irrigation system. When planting plants, use the scheme: 3x1.5 m. The largest plantations are located in the foothill zone (Bakhchisarai district), steppe (near Simferopol), as well as in the suburbs of Yalta, Alushta, Sudak.
Among the fruitful ones, the following stand out:
Agadai
A table variety originally from Dagestan, it is distinguished by a late ripening period. Harvesting begins no earlier than the 20th of September. The plant develops normally on soils with a high salt content. In addition to fresh consumption, the crop is used for canning and making juices.
Albiglio Crimean
A medium-ripening plant originally from Spain. Grown for winemaking. The yield is 7-9 kg per bush. The berry contains sugar 14%, acids 6.7%.
Italy
Large grapes, collected in loose bunches, the average weight of which reaches 450 grams. The yellow-amber berries have a pleasant taste with a pronounced nutmeg note.
Cardinal
The berries ripen by the end of August. The bunch is friable with a lot of grapes, the average weight is 250-350 grams. The taste is not sugary, although the sugar content is at least 16-17%. Differs in resistance to fungal diseases and good transportability.
Citron Magaracha
An early ripening wine variety. The quality of taste and presentation makes the berry edible and fresh. The weight of a cylindrical brush reaches 400 grams. Sugar content is high (23%) with an acidity of 5-7%.
Sabbat
The culture is grown for fresh consumption and the production of wine material. White berries ripen in late September - early October. Large bunches are hung up to 280 gr. Even after storage in the refrigerator for 5 months, the grapes do not lose their taste and marketability.
Astrakhan region
Astrakhan region is a promising territory for growing grapes. This is facilitated by the hot climate and the presence of the Baer hillocks. The deep bedding of groundwater leaves more chances for plants to endure winter frosts.
An important factor is the absence of insects that pose a danger to vineyards.
Over the entire period of the existence of viticulture on an industrial scale, more than 300 varieties have been tested on the Bair hills. The highest results were noted with the cultivation of the following varieties.
Codryanka (white)
The plant is of medium late maturity with a growing season of 130-140 days. Berries of a greenish-yellow color have a rounded-oval shape, the weight of one reaches 10-12 grams. Average brush weight - 600-800 g., but there are also giants weighing 1.2 kg. The shrub easily tolerates frost down to -23 °. Codryanka is resistant to mildew and gray rot.
Delight
Early, with a vegetation period of 110-120 days. Differs in increased resistance to fungal diseases and mildew. Frost resistance (up to -25 °) allows you to endure severe winters under cover. The yield of Delight grapes is more than 9 kg per bush.
Radiant kishmish
Pink grapes of medium early ripening period (vegetation 115-125 days). Advantages: high taste, market value, long shelf life. The weight of a medium-sized cluster reaches 250-450 grams. Sugar content - 17-21%, acidity - 6-7%.
Moskovsky
The plant is early ripening, has an unusual taste, filled with nutmeg and pineapple aromas. The culture is resistant to low temperatures, fungal diseases. The bunch is small, weight does not exceed 150 grams.
Vologda Region
The climatic conditions of the region are not ideal, but even there you can grow grapes. Industrialists use varieties that are resistant to frost. Additionally, they are covered with a special material for wintering. Private gardeners have gotten used to planting cuttings in greenhouses. Among the recommended for the middle band:
- Laura - large green grapes have a pleasant taste, the bushes easily endure winter;
- Shunya - large-sized dark pink fruits ripen by the end of August, the plant is resistant to disease;
- Nadezhda Aksayskaya - ripens at the end of August, in taste and appearance, the berry is similar to the Arcadia variety;
- Victoria - beautiful large bunches with sweet berries, high yield (at least 7 kg per bush);
- Phenomenon - ripens in mid-August, medium-sized berries are very sweet in taste .;
- Gala - very large fruits, formed into a loose bunch, are being tested in the region;
- Cherry - early ripening plant, medium-sized pink fruit with high sugar content.
Primorsky Krai
The weather conditions of the region do not allow the cultivation of any grape varieties, therefore, special breeding ones with frost resistance are selected. Among other things for the winter period, the bushes are covered with a special material to prevent freezing.
Adele
Designed for growing under cover. The mass of a medium-sized brush reaches 600 grams. Medium sized berries, dark blue color. The peculiarity of the variety is long-term storage, the grapes retain their presentation until the New Year holidays.
Far Eastern Novikov
An early ripening universal variety. Withstands frosts down to -28 °, but requires shelter for the winter period due to the climatic features of Primorsky Krai. The bunch is small, weighing up to 250 grams, the berries are dark blue with an unusual but original taste.
Satellite
The plant is early maturing with greenish-yellow grapes weighing less than 8 grams. The advantage of the variety is frost resistance (-30 °), however, shelter is required for wintering. The fruits contain 16% sugar content and 7-9% acidity.
Pink is not a covering
Early maturing table variety. The berries are very tasty (sugar 20%), but small. Bunch weight - 150-200 gr. The crop does not lose its presentation for a long period, even on the vine. Under proper conditions, it is stored until the New Year holidays.
Rostov region
The climate of the Rostov region is also suitable for growing the best varieties of grape selection. There is enough light, warmth and moisture here. However, to select a type (covering and non-covering), you should visually divide the area into 2 parts, above and below Kamensk. Non-covering varieties are recommended for planting in the south.
Not everyone is aware of the fact that wines are produced in the region, which are a real competitor to French collection drinks. Popular varieties include:
- Valentine;
- Autumn black;
- Mascot;
- Arcadia;
- Somerset Seedliss et al.
Every year, vineyard owners practice updating the range of varieties, using proven varieties of grapes and the latest developments. New approach and application of innovative technologies allows you to increase the profitability of agricultural enterprises, bringing their achievements to the world level.