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Pink Muscat grapes are a time-tested table variety of culture. It is characterized by early ripeness, large-fruitedness and high sugar content in berries. Muscat pink is of particular value for winemakers. But to get a good harvest every year, it is necessary to take into account the basic requirements of the culture and provide full care. This grape is suitable for growing on an industrial scale and amateur gardening.
Muscat pink is listed as a Greek variety
History of breeding
The first mention of this type of culture appeared several centuries ago. It is believed that it was isolated from Muscat white as a result of a kidney deviation. It is not known for certain who laid the foundation for this table grape variety. Its homeland is the southwestern part of Europe.
Description grape variety Muscat pink
This grape in appearance is in many ways similar to white Muscat. But there are also significant differences between them that you need to pay attention to.
bunches
Muscat pink is characterized by medium-sized clusters that look like a cylinder or cone. Their length reaches 18 cm, and the diameter is about 10 cm. The berries are firmly attached to the stalk. Clusters are moderately loose. Their average weight is 108-204 g.
Berries
The fruits of this species are larger than those of White Muscat. The berries are round, 17-18 mm in size. When ripe, they acquire a dark red color, which indicates the need for harvesting. The pulp is juicy, tender. The peel of the berries is strong, but not very dense, it is practically not felt when eaten.
Grapes are often coated with wax. Each of them can have up to four bones.
Vine
The bushes of Muscat pink are low, they are characterized by a moderate growth rate. Young shoots are covered with edging, have a pink crown with a noticeable red tint. After maturation, the shade changes from green to light brown. But at the same time, the nodules remain darker. The development of shoots of the second order is slow. Often they do not have time to grow in a season.
The leaves of this species practically do not differ from white Muscat. The plates are five-lobed, large or medium, rounded, with a slight indentation along the edge. On the reverse side, they are slightly pubescent. The leaves are directed downwards, but at the same time their crown has a bend and sticks up. They are green.
Ripening of shoots of the first order in this variety is good or satisfactory
Characterization
For the successful cultivation of Muscat pink, its main characteristics must be taken into account. With this in mind, it will be much easier to provide full-fledged care for the grapes, which will allow you to get the maximum productivity from the variety.
Maturation period
This species belongs to the category of early. The growing season from bud break to fruit ripening is 120-140 days, depending on the region of cultivation. Harvest reaches removable maturity in the third decade of September.
Productivity
The yield is average, but higher than that of its white counterpart. It is 60-80,3 q/ha. In the plantings of this grape, low-yielding clones are found. The mass fraction of barren shoots on a bush does not exceed 10-25%.
Taste
The berries are sweet in taste and have a pronounced nutmeg hue. The tasting score of the variety on a ten-point scale is 8,2. The sugar content in ripe grapes reaches 35%.
Growing regions
Muscat pink is grown all over the world. It is distributed mainly in southern European countries, such as Italy, Greece, Spain, France. Muscat pink is also grown on the territory of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
The variety was also widely used on the Crimean peninsula, in particular, in the Yalta, Alushta, Saki, Evpatoria regions.
Frost resistance
This variety is cold sensitive. The vine can withstand a temperature drop of no more than -23 ° C. Pink Muscat also suffers from late spring frosts, and in order to protect the bushes, you need to cover them with agrofiber in several layers in case of a sharp temperature drop.
Drought tolerance
Muscat pink, unlike its white counterpart, does not respond well to a lack of moisture in the soil. Therefore, during the drought period, it needs regular watering.
Disease and pest resistance
This variety is susceptible to mildew and oidium. Gray rot appears in a third of the bushes, and downy mildew in 40%. Pests, namely leafworm and phylloxera, can also cause significant damage to grapes.
Berries of Muscat pink during a period of heavy rainfall can rot
Methods of Use
The main purpose of this grape is the production of liqueur muscat wines. Based on it, high quality drinks are prepared. They are distinguished by the aroma of tea rose and have a unique rich taste. Raw materials grown in the southern part of the Crimean peninsula on slate soil are especially valued. In this case, the sugar content of the berries reaches its maximum level.
Muscat pink is also used for making jams, thanks to its pleasant taste it is also suitable for fresh consumption.
Advantages and disadvantages
Muscat pink, like other types of culture, has strengths and weaknesses. And for its successful cultivation, you need to familiarize yourself with them in advance.
The yield of juice from grapes is 63-70%
Main advantages:
- precocity;
- high sugar accumulation in fruits;
- versatility of application;
- pleasant taste and aroma.
Disadvantages:
- affected by oidium, mildew;
- susceptibility to attack by leafworms, phylloxera;
- suffers from spring frosts;
- sensitive to lack of moisture.
Features of growing grapes Muscat pink
When growing this variety, it is recommended to form a vine without a trunk. The shoots should be tied to the trellis in a fan fashion or in four sleeves 60 cm long.
For Muscat pink, you need to choose sunny areas, protected from cold gusts of wind. In regions with little snow, it should be planted in trenches or deep pits. In areas with cold and short summers, planting in high ridges is recommended.
The soil in the area where the grapes will grow should be well-drained. And the acidity level is neutral. Groundwater occurrence of at least 1,5 m is permissible. Planting is best done in the spring.
It is necessary to water the seedling regularly for the first two years, until its root system grows. In this case, water should be poured between the rows. Moisturize once a week. And ten days before harvesting, stop irrigation altogether. In the spring, during the period of active growth of green mass, Muscat pink should be fertilized with organic matter twice with a frequency of two weeks. To do this, you can use chicken manure 1:15 or mullein 1:10.
In the future, superphosphate (40 g) and potassium sulfide (30 g) should be used, scattering granules at the base of the bushes, with further incorporation into the soil and watering. Application frequency – once a month.
Pruning of young seedlings should be carried out when their side shoots reach a length of 12 cm. During the first procedure, four stems are left on the main one and two on the handle. Shrubs should be pruned annually in the fall. At this time, all ripened stems should be shortened by 1/3, young, not fully strengthened, cut off completely. You should also clean the bushes from broken and damaged shoots.
During the ripening period of the clusters, you need to pinch the tops of the shoots. Adult grapes should have no more than 30 branches, otherwise the berries become smaller.
The Muscat pink crop ripens evenly
In autumn, at the base of the bush, you need to lay mulch with a layer of 8-10 cm. For this, you can use humus, peat. And it is recommended to remove the vine from the support, bend it to the ground and insulate it with spruce branches on top.
Conclusion
Pink Muscat grapes are an ideal variety for making wine, both industrially and at home. But to obtain a stable harvest annually, preventive treatments with fungicides cannot be ignored. Otherwise, oidium and mildew can negate all the gardener’s efforts.
Reviews of Muscat pink grapes
