Saperavi grape: grape variety
Grape “Saperavi” comes from Georgia. It is grown in regions with a mild climate. Most often these are the countries of the Black Sea basin. High quality table wines are obtained from it, and matured in hot climates, for example, in Uzbekistan, it is suitable for the production of dessert and strong wines.
Description of grapes: “Saperavi” variety
This is a high-yielding variety, the clusters grow large and attractive in appearance. The plant is moderately hardy and can safely survive temperatures down to –23 ° C. Drought tolerant.
Grape “Saperavi” – technical grade, suitable only for processing
This grape has the following characteristic features:
- The berries are oval, dark blue. Medium size, up to 4-6 g. They have a thick layer of wax on the surface.
- The skin is dense, allows for transport, but not thick.
- The juicy pulp has a fresh and pleasant taste; there are 2 seeds in the center of the berry. The juice from it turns out to be lightly colored.
- Flowers are bisexual, do not require pollination.
The sugar content is up to 22 g per 100 cm. From 10 kg of fruit, 8 liters of juice can be obtained. It becomes an excellent raw material for wine, especially due to its high content of essential oils. The strength of the wine is 10-12 degrees. It is stored for a long time and improves its qualities as it is infused. The most appreciated wine is aged for 12 years.
Pay attention to this feature: when drinking the juice, it stains the lips and teeth red.
The shoots of the grapes grow strongly. Of all their mass, 70% are fruiting. The leaves are five-lobed, rounded, of medium size. In the lower part, they have significant pubescence. They cover the fruit from direct sunlight, but those that grow too close to the bunch need to be removed. The bunches have the following features:
- They grow on a 4,5 cm long stem.
- The bunch is conical in shape, strongly branched.
- It is of medium size, weighing up to 110 g.
On each shoot, you need to leave 7 bunches. This will allow them to develop better, to produce larger and more tasty berries. The rest of the bunches must be removed.
You should choose for its cultivation soil that does not contain lime or salt. It must be well drained, moisture stagnation is not allowed.
Watering is required in moderation; there is no need to fill the plant. Preventive treatments against fungal diseases are recommended, since leaves and berries are often affected by mildew, powdery mildew and gray rot. Under suitable conditions, a grape bush can grow in one place for up to 25 years.