Cultural grapes (Vitis vinifera) is a representative of perennial shrub vines. Its technical varieties are grown specifically for the production of strong, table and dessert wines. Fresh berries of such grapes are usually not eaten because of their peculiar taste. A lot of technical varieties of this cultivated plant have been bred by breeders. And one of the best is Cabernet Sauvignon.
A bit of history
The popular grape variety Cabernet Sauvignon was developed in France in the 17th century. popular selection method. In this state, it is still one of the most common of all technical, industrially grown. In terms of popularity at the moment, it is second only to Merlot grapes. The breeders found out that the varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc once became the parent for him.
Currently, this wonderful grape is grown not only in France, but also in many other countries. For example, farmers are engaged in its cultivationUSA, Japan, South America and Mediterranean countries. This grape is grown both in Ukraine and in Russia.
Technical grapes Cabernet Sauvignon: variety description
The teeth of the grape leaves of this variety are very large. Due to the strong dissection and rounded edges, the plates look like "lace". The flowers of Cabernet Sauvignon are bisexual, and the clusters are rather loose, but neat. The berries of this variety are small - they reach about 1.5 cm in diameter. The clusters themselves can grow up to 15 cm long and up to 8 cm wide. They usually have a cylindrical (sometimes conical) shape. In some cases, clusters may develop a wing.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape variety that, among other things, is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- light green with a reddish tint leaf color;
- small dark blue berries with rough skin;
- strong sprawling shoots.
A little about taste
Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape variety whose berries are not eaten fresh. It's all about their special grassy tart taste. The smell of the berries have a characteristic nightshade. Their taste is slightly reminiscent of currants. Approximately the same qualities are distinguished by wine made from Sauvignon berries. The finished drink is tart with a barely perceptible smell of nightshade.
Pros and cons
The benefits of Cabernet Sauvignon include, among other things:
- unpretentious care;
- relativefrost resistance;
- immunity to mildew and phylloxera.
This grape is also valued for the fact that it practically does not rot (even with prolonged rains in autumn). The disadvantages of Cabernet Sauvignon include a tendency to shed ovaries and peas.
Biological features
Cabernet Sauvignon belongs to the group of late ripening grapes. In the southern regions of Russia and Ukraine, its crop is usually harvested in early to mid-October. The ripening period of berries for the manufacture of table wines is about 140 days, dessert - 160 days.
The cuttings of this variety take root quickly and without problems. Its shoots ripen very well. The yield of Cabernet Sauvignon is average - about 60-70 q/ha.
Berry characteristics
The taste of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, as already mentioned, is tart, currant. The sugar content of the juice of its berries is usually 20 g/100 cm3, and the acidity is 9 g/dm3. In especially favorable, not too rainy years with a warm spring, the value of the first indicator can increase up to 24 g/100 cm3.
Varieties of Cabernet
Of course, at different times, selection was carried out with such a crop as Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The description of the variety given above makes it possible to judge it as one of the best of all technical varieties to date. Currently, the following forms of this popular grape are grown in different parts of the world:
- Cabernet Cortis. This variety wasbred by crossing Sauvignon and Mörzling. This grape ripens 138-140 days after flowering. Its distinctive feature is high productivity.
- Northern Cabernet. The berries of this variety ripen earlier than Sauvignon - in mid-September. Its distinctive feature is frost resistance (up to -27 C). The clusters of this grape are very small (100 grams), and the bushes are undersized.
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Cabernet King. The advantage of this variety is that its flowers bloom later than Sauvignon. And consequently, it is less susceptible to the negative effects of spring frosts.
- Cabernet Michurinsky. This is an early ripe grape, which can be harvested as early as 115-125 days after flowering. The advantages of this variety include high frost resistance (up to -29 C).
- Cabernet Jura. This variety produces very tasty wines with an unusual bouquet. Its advantage is that it is very resistant to various infectious diseases.
Choosing a landing site
Cabernet varieties are absolutely undemanding to the soil and growing conditions. However, they feel best on the southern slopes on nutrient soils. If there is no natural elevation on the site, you can make an artificial one. It is better to plant Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in rows from north to south in a well-lit, ventilated area.
As a rootstock for this variety are commonly used:
- "Riparia 3309";
- "Riparia 101-14";
- "Kobera 5BB";
- "Berlandieri Teleki 8B".
How to care
You can plant grapes of this variety both in autumn and in spring. The width between the rows should be about 3-4 m. During the warm season, these grapes need to be fed several times. It is best to use organic matter as a fertilizer. The last top dressing of grapes is carried out in mid-July. Late fertilization can encourage unnecessary vegetation, delaying further development of the clusters.
Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety needs frequent watering during the fruit ripening period. The frequency of soil moistening under it depends on the climatic features of this particular region. You can not overdo it with watering. Otherwise, the berries may lose their special taste. The last time the soil under the grapes is moistened in autumn.
Shaping a bush
Experts advise to carry out a short pruning of annual shoots of grapes of this variety. In this case, the fruiting of the vines will increase significantly as a result of the activation of the lower eyes. Although with a high yield, this grape practically does not lose its taste, it is recommended to slightly reduce the length of its fruit arrows. This will reduce the load on the bush.
Cabernet Sauvignon is usually grown on tall trunks. At the same time, several young growths are left to hang freely. prunedannual shoots in this case, about 5-6 eyes.
Vine Reviews
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety, the characteristics of which was given above, has excellent qualities. Therefore, the reviews about him on the network are extremely positive. From the berries of this grape comes out just an excellent wine - spicy, tart, pleasant to the taste.
Actually, this variety itself has received recognition not only because of the fact that such an exquisite drink can be prepared from it. Vine growers speak of him as a very unpretentious and fruitful. When grown, this crop does not cause almost any trouble. The only thing is that the grape variety Cabernet Sauvignon is desirable to be periodically processed from spider mites and from itching. In this case, it is recommended to use standard insecticides.
Of course, these grapes are cultivated not only industrially. Gardeners also grow it in their suburban areas. If desired, wine from it can also be prepared independently.
Instead of a conclusion
Thus, we have found out what are the qualities of Cabernet grapes (with varieties). The description of the form of Sauvignon and others given above makes it possible to judge this culture as one of the most suitable for the production of fine wines. The cultivation of these varieties, along with Merlot, allows you to get drinks with excellent taste, refined and expensive. And consequently, their cultivation both in industrial conditions and in private suburban areas -business expedient and profitable.
