The Saperavi grape variety is widely distributed in Georgia. And no wonder, because in the homeland of this plant, not a single dinner is complete without tart wine. The country's warm climate is ideal for growing the crop.
This grape variety is considered one of the most expensive and desirable. Various wines are made from it. And the berries themselves are very tasty for fresh consumption. Translated from Georgian, the word "saperavi" means "giving color." This variety got its name due to the red pigments of the skin of the grapes.
Variety description
Grape variety Saperavi is a vigorous plant that bears fruit up to 25 years of age. It perfectly tolerates cold down to -20 ° C. The plant requires minimal care. This species is most often grown in the Black Sea basin.
But the northern Saperavi grape variety feels great in cold regions. It tolerates frosty winters very well. Without shelter, the plant survives frosts down to -30 ° C. This variety is a hybrid of Saperavi and Severny. For the ripening of the crop, an average of 155sunny days.
The young shoot and the first leaves on it are very light, almost white. On them you can distinguish delicate pink stripes. After the leaves acquire a yellowish-green hue, gradually acquiring a rich green color. The surface is smooth above, felt-pubescent below. Three- or five-lobed leaves are round and medium in size. The edges are slightly cut, raised. It is quite rare to find curly foliage with a strong dissection.
Saperavi grape variety ripens within five months. It tolerates drought and moderate frosts well. All shoots are strong, the plant is characterized by high yield.
Characteristic of the bush
Description of the Saperavi grape variety is very important information for gardeners who only want to plant this plant on their site. This bush belongs to the vigorous. Of all the shoots, 85% ripen, and 70% bear fruit. The fruiting of the bush is more than 20 years. It is advisable to plant grapes on soils that do not contain s alt and lime.
The soil needs to be regularly moistened and well drained. When watering, make sure that the bushes are not flooded. Excessive moisture can adversely affect the state of the root system of the plant, as a result of which the bush will bear less fruit. If the problem is not corrected, then the plant may disappear altogether over time.
Shape and color of berries
The berries of this grape variety are oval, dark blue. The skin is thin, but at the same time strong. On herthere is a thick wax coating. The pulp inside is sweet and juicy, slightly colored. Inside the berries are 2-3 seeds. A more saturated color is typical for the Saperavi northern grape variety. Description, photo of this plant will not leave indifferent many lovers of this culture. After tasting berries or juice, a red-bluish coating may remain on the lips and teeth.
Flowers do not need pollination, because they are bisexual.
Growers appreciate the pleasant aroma of berries that exude fresh taste. Juice is slightly colored. One berry weighs about 5 grams on average. About 8 liters of juice can be obtained from 10 kg of berries. Its sugar content is on average 20 g/100 cm.
Various varieties of wines are made from the juice, including sparkling ones. Thanks to the presence of essential oils, this grape makes an excellent vintage wine.
Often the wine has a strength of 12 degrees. It is characterized by a long shelf life. Fans believe that the best drink should be steeped for about 12 years.
Bunch
When growing grapes, many gardeners pay attention to the characteristics of the bunch of plants. Consider its description in the Saperavi grape variety:
- medium size, about 110 grams;
- shape wide conical, loose;
- leg up to 4.5 cm;
- branching heavily.
Up to 7 bunches are formed on each shoot. This is the best option for good ripening of all berries. When harvesting, the bunches need to be cut with secateurs or scissors.
Special attention should be paid to the bunches andleaves around them. You can leave those that cover the berries from the scorching sun. But the part that is located near the sweet berries and does not allow air to pass to them should be cut off.
Features of planting and growing
For landing, you should choose places protected from wind and drafts. It is important that they are well lit by the sun. The soil must be non-saline and well-drained.
Planting seedlings directly depends on the region. For example, in the south, the ground often does not freeze even in winter. Under such conditions, plants can be planted in winter. But in the northern regions, the landing is carried out after the complete thawing of the soil, before the start of active sap flow.
Plants are planted in pre-prepared pits: a distance of 1.5 m between bushes and 2.5 m between rows. After planting, it is necessary to water the plant abundantly (three buckets of water). The trunk circle is mulched. To do this, you can use needles, straw and sawdust. Young seedlings must be protected from possible frosts.
Experienced gardeners recommend growing on trellises, distributing the shoots so that they are well ventilated. It is necessary to regularly ensure that the leaves do not obscure the ground near the trunk circle. Clusters can be covered with a leaf from too aggressive sunlight.
Irrigation
Frequent watering is essential for young seedlings. Carefully monitor soil moisture, because water should notstagnate. They also need additional shelter for the winter, regardless of the frost resistance property.
Adult plants are not afraid of frost, only an unexpected drop in temperature in the spring, when the buds have already blossomed, can harm them. Mature bushes need watering only in severe drought.
How to care?
Today, the Saperavi grape variety is especially popular. Photos of bright and ripe berries are liked by many lovers of making homemade wine. On each bush of a plant there can be no more than 35 eyes. Remember that you should regularly trim up to 6 eyes. Particular attention should also be paid to the antifungal treatment of the plant.
Feeding
For a regular and rich harvest, the bushes need food. Top dressing of the vineyard is carried out 3-4 times a season. For this, mineral fertilizers are used, which include phosphorus and potassium. Fertilize in moist soil in the near-trunk circle. The frequency of top dressing directly depends on the quality of the soil, the degree of its depletion and fertility.
Pests and diseases
You should carefully study the information about diseases and pests of Saperavi grapes in the description of the variety. Photos of affected plants will help novice gardeners determine the initial stage of the disease.
This grape variety can be affected by oidium, mildew, gray rot.
Oidium affects the flowers and berries of the plant. The disease is manifested by dark gray spots with the smell of rot. Prevention is goodairing the plant, spraying 4 times a year with diluted colloidal sulfur.
Mildew fungus affects the shoots and leaves of the plant. The first sign is the appearance of yellow spots on the surface. Preventive measures include spraying the bush with Bordeaux liquid before and after flowering.
Gray rot resembles a dusty white coating. In this case, the bushes are treated with a solution of baking soda.
Phylloxera are pests that attack grapes. The plant should be carefully examined. If the root is damaged, the affected areas must be removed in a timely manner to protect he althy ones. If the leaves are affected, they must be cut and burned to prevent the spread of the pest throughout the plant. Also be sure to treat the plant with fungicides.
