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Since ancient times, grapes have been treated with respect, thanks to the healing power of berries. In the ancient manuscripts of different peoples, there is a mention of this tasty and healthy berry. And poets in their verses compare grapes with the nectar of the gods. The saying: “There people are happy days, where grape vines grow” can be read on the wall of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.
More recently, grapes were grown only in the southern regions. Today, thanks to the hard work of breeders, the vine is successfully grown in many regions of Our Country, even where the climate is harsh. One of my favorite varieties is the Cabernet grape. The features of cultivation and care will be discussed in the article.
Description
Description of the variety, the first photos of Cabernet grapes were given by French breeders, direct authors. For its production, Cabernet Fan and Sauvignon Blanc varieties were used. Today, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular variety among winegrowers. The main purpose of the berries is the production of delicious grape wines.
Bushes
A plant with spreading shoots and carved five-lobed leaves. Each of them has triangular teeth along the edges. The grapes are especially beautiful in autumn, when spots appear on the leaf blades, similar in color to red wine.
The Cabernet Sauvignon variety has female and male flowers. But this does not always save from peas. In the reviews, growers write that they have to deal with artificial pollination.
Clusters and berries
The shape of the clusters is conical, but sometimes the so-called wing appears on them: the upper part with a branch. The length of the brush is up to 15 cm, weight is about 100 grams. The berries are round, up to 1,5 cm in diameter. There are few seeds in grapes: 1-3. The fruits are blue with a waxy coating. Since the skin is thick, Cabernet Sauvignon is an industrial grape variety.
Characteristics
Cabernet grapes have many advantages, which makes it popular among winegrowers and winemakers. There are also disadvantages, which will also be discussed.
Pros of the variety
- The grapes are productive, with good care and favorable climatic conditions, up to 70 centners of fruits are harvested per hectare.
- Good transportability, since the berries do not burst, do not crumble.
- Grapes do not crack, even when overripe.
- Rains do not harm the berries.
- An excellent variety for the production of red dessert wines.
- The variety is winter-hardy and drought-resistant.
- Grapes are resistant to many diseases.
Cons
- Possibility of burning. You have to spend time pollinating.
- The ovaries at the very beginning can crumble from the wind.
- The late ripeness of the variety (140-160 days) does not allow growing grapes in any regions of Our Country.
Varieties of Cabernet
The Cabernet grape has several varieties. A brief description and photos will be presented below.
Sauvignon
To understand what Sauvignon grapes are, one cannot do without photos and descriptions. Immediately after the creation, the plant became the most popular. From dark blue berries with a thick bluish coating, table and dessert wines are prepared. Despite the fact that the clusters are medium-sized, the harvest is still excellent.
Curtis
Cortis is a grape variety created by German breeders. They crossed Cabernet Sauvignon and Merzling varieties. A variety of medium-late ripening, bunches are cut in 138-140 days. Cortis consistently produces high yields of blue-gray, waxy wine berries. Photo of the Cortis variety below.
Fran
It should be noted that this particular variety is called the progenitor of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Compared to the “child”, the parent is less productive, but ripens earlier. It is Fran – a grape variety that is advised to be grown in a zone of risky farming. Clusters of medium density, with dark blue berries, covered with a thick bloom.
Northern grapes
Northern Cabernet grapes are represented by low and non-spreading bushes. Small brushes weighing up to 100 grams are formed on the vine. The berries are small, dark with a wax coating. Ripening begins in September.
Michurinsky
High-yielding grade of average term of maturing. Clusters with dark berries with a whitish bloom begin to be harvested after 115-125 days from the beginning of flowering. The brushes are small, averaging 100 grams.
The Cabernet Michurinsky grape variety has good immunity to many crop diseases. In addition, it can be grown in almost any region of Our Country: it can withstand frosts up to 29 degrees.
Karol
The variety of medium ripening annually pleases with a rich harvest. It should be noted that, unlike other plants of the culture, Karol grapes bloom later than all, so the flowers never fall under spring frosts.
Carbon
A plant of average term of maturing. To avoid peas, since the grapes have only female flowers, you need to plant a vine of other varieties next to it. Cluster sizes within the Cabernet variety, about 100 grams. Fragrant wine is prepared from small rounded berries.
Yura
Grapes of the Jura variety were bred by Swiss breeders. The vine and bunches are disease resistant. Grapes of medium ripening. Dark purple berries with a bluish bloom are processed into wine.
Dorsa
The variety is average in yield, but it is stable every year. In the berries of the middle ripening period, a large amount of wine sugar accumulates. Red wine from Cabernet Dorsa grapes has a pronounced fruity aroma.
Cultivation and care
As already noted, almost all varieties of Cabernet grapes can be grown in many regions of Our Country. The plant is unpretentious, but for success you need to know the features of planting and care.
Site Selection
Cabernet grapes can be grown in any soil because they are undemanding. But it is desirable to choose a landing site well-lit. The southern slopes are best suited. There are no mountains in ordinary garden plots, so they are created artificially.
Plantings are arranged in rows from north to south, so that at any time the plants are lit by the sun. This placement creates good natural ventilation for the vine.
The Cabernet variety is grown on a rootstock, the best are:
- Riparia 3309;
- Riparia 101-14;
- Kobera 5BB;
- One-landieri Teleki 8B.
Care of plantings
Cabernet vines are planted in spring or autumn. Between the rows leave a distance of 3 to 4 meters. This will create not only convenience during care, but also ensure sufficient air circulation and save you from diseases.
- During the growing season, plants are watered in a timely manner, weeds are removed and the soil is loosened.
- Starting in spring, the soil is mulched. At first, the mulch protects the roots from the cold, and in the summer it does not allow moisture to evaporate.
- The greatest need for watering during the ripening of clusters. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the climatic features of the area where grapes are grown. If it rains, then watering is stopped. In drought, watering is carried out under the root. During the formation of the ovaries, it is desirable to spray the bushes. It is not necessary to fill the bushes, otherwise the berries will lose their taste and become watery.
- In order for the grape variety to develop well, regular top dressing will be required. It can be organic or special mineral fertilizers. Plants are fed several times, the last feeding is timed to mid-July.
Formation
Pruning begins already on annual shoots. For young Cabernet grapes, as shown in the photo, short pruning is recommended. This will increase fruiting, as the lower eyes are activated.
The variety is characterized by growing on high trunks, some young growths are left hanging down. Shorten the shoots by 5-6 eyes.
Diseases and pests
All types of Cabernet grapes are resistant to phylloxera. But it is not always possible to save plantings from oidium and mildew, anthracnose and bacteriosis, bacterial cancer and chlorosis and rubella. It is necessary to take preventive measures, not waiting for the development of diseases. For this, special preparations are used. The rules of use are indicated in the instructions.
Insects
The most dangerous pests that can cause irreparable harm to the vine and crop are spider mites and grape mites. These insects are so small that it is difficult to see them. But their hosting can be seen by the reddish swellings on the leaves. For destruction, treatment with Bordeaux liquid, 4% soap solution is used. You need to spray not only from above, but also to capture leaves and stems from below. These types of work are carried out with the opening of the kidneys. In summer, plantings are additionally pollinated with sulfur.
Another pest is the bunch leafworm butterfly and its offspring. Caterpillars damage the ovaries and also feed on ripe berries. The appearance of a pest can be determined by the berries entangled in cobwebs.
For destruction, insecticides are used, to which fungicides are added. The dual composition of the treatment is necessary to combat mold and fungi.
Features of growing grapes:
