Contents
The basis of the vineyards of northern Spain is the Tempranillo variety, which is part of the raw material for famous vintage wines. The unique properties of the variety have expanded the territory of its cultivation to the vineyards of Portugal, California, Argentina, Australia. Grapes are also grown in the southern regions of Our Country, albeit in limited quantities.
Description
Buds on the vine bloom late, the shoots ripen quickly. Young shoot of Tempranillo grapes, according to the description of the variety, with an open crown, crimson at the edges. The first five-lobed leaves are the same, yellowish-green, bordered, densely pubescent below. The vine has long internodes, the leaves are large, wrinkled, deeply dissected, with large teeth and a lyre-shaped petiole notch. The bisexual, medium density Tempranillo grape flower is well pollinated.
Long, narrow clusters are compact, cylindric, medium in size. Rounded, slightly flattened, dark berries, with a rich purple-blue hue, are closely packed together. The composition of Tempranillo grapes, as emphasized in the description, is rich in anthocyanins. These coloring pigments affect the richness of the wine with visual velvety nuances. Matte coating on thin skin. The pulp is dense, juicy, colorless, with a neutral smell. The berries are medium in size, 16 x 18 mm, weighing 6-9 g.
For sale, cuttings of the Tempranillo grape variety can be offered under local synonyms: Tinto, Ul de Liebre, Ojo de Liebre, Aragones.
white variety
At the end of the 20th century, in the region of Rioja, the original traditional region of the cultivation of the variety, a variety of Tempranillo grapes with green-yellow fruits was discovered. It began to be used for winemaking after official permission two decades later.
Characterization
The Tempranillo grape variety has long been grown in Spain. One of the most valuable and noble vines of the hot lands of Rioja has only recently “acquired” its homeland. For a century, there has been talk of Tempranillo originating in Burgundy, even that the vine was brought to northern Spain by the Phoenicians. Detailed genetic studies by Spanish scientists have confirmed the autochthonous nature of the vine, which was formed about a thousand years ago in the Ebro River valley. Today, the variety makes up 75% of all vines grown in this area.
Tempranillo is a productive variety, producing up to 5 kg of medium or late ripening berries. The most common name for the grape, Tempranillo (“early”), conveys this feature of the vine, which ripens earlier than other local varieties. The variety needs to limit the clusters on one vine, which must be removed in time.
Dependence of properties on the place of cultivation
The characteristics of the Tempranillo grape variety are determined by the temperature, conditions and elevation of the land on which the vineyards are located. The best performance is observed in those vines that are grown in the Mediterranean climate on mountain slopes up to 1 km high. Below 700 m and in the temperate plains, grapes are also grown, although some changes occur in the final product. Elegant shades of wine come from berries that have acquired the sourness characteristic of the variety at night temperatures below 18 degrees. Sufficient sugar content and thicker skins are created in the hot afternoon hours of 40-degree heat. The climatic features of northern Spain gave rise to the now famous wines based on Tempranillo. The vine of this variety has managed to adapt to such conditions.
On the plains, the acidity of grapes decreases. And the lack of sunlight leads to the massive appearance of fungal diseases, which grapes are easily affected. The development of the vine and the properties of the berries depend on the temperature regime. Tempranillo grapes are vulnerable to spring frosts. The vine tolerates a drop in winter temperature to -18 degrees.
Variety value
Despite the exactingness of the vine, growers value the Tempranillo variety. On its basis, by blending with other varieties, companions in winemaking – Garnacha, Graciana, Carignan, elite table wines with a rich ruby color and fortified ports are made. The grapes grown under the specified conditions impart fruity nuances to the drinks, in particular, raspberries. Wines produced on its basis are subject to long-term aging. They change the fruity taste and are enriched with specific notes of tobacco, spices, leather, which is highly appreciated by gourmets. In Spain, Tempranillo has been recognized as a national product. His day is celebrated annually: the second Thursday of November. Juices are also produced from Tempranillo.
Advantages and disadvantages
The modern consumer has come to taste wines from the Tempranillo variety. And this is the main advantage of grapes. In addition, they note that the variety:
- Good and stable yield;
- Absolute irreplaceability in winemaking;
- High adaptability in the southern regions.
The disadvantages are manifested by a certain capriciousness of the grape variety and exactingness to temperature and soil.
- Low drought tolerance;
- Sensitivity to oidium, mildew, gray mold;
- Affected by strong winds;
- Exposure to leafhopper and phylloxera.
Cultivation
The growth of Tempranillo grapes is possible only in the southern regions of Our Country, where there are no frosts below 18 degrees. Features of the continental climate are suitable for the vine. Hot days contribute to the accumulation of the desired percentage of sugars, and low night temperatures give the berries the required acidity. The variety is demanding on soils.
- Sandy soils are not suitable for growing Tempranillo;
- Grapes prefer soils where limestone is in the composition;
- For the year, the variety needs at least 450 mm of natural precipitation;
- Tempranillo suffers from the wind. For its landing, you need to look for a site protected from strong air currents.
Care
The gardener must exclude damage to the grapes by return frosts. Shelter should be provided in case cold air enters a normally warm region.
For Tempranillo grapes, regular watering and maintenance of the near-stem circle, release from weeds, on which pests can multiply, is necessary. During the heat period, the vine with bunches is covered with a net for shading.
If the soil selection conditions are met, it is hoped that in the southern regions the Tempranillo grapes will have the taste that they have in their homeland.
Vine Formation
In Spain and other countries where the Tempranillo grape is cultivated, the clusters are grown on vines shaped like a goblet. The free position of the brush contributes to the accumulation of fruit shades in the taste. For the winter, 6-8 eyes are left on the vine. In summer, crop load control is carried out to allow the remaining bunches to fully ripen.
Additional fertilizing
Fertilize a demanding grape variety in the fall with organic matter by digging a trench on one side of the root.
- The depth of the furrow is up to 50 cm, the width is 0,8 m. The length is determined by the size of the bush;
- Usually they make such a trench where 3-4 buckets of humus could fit;
- Organics must be completely rotted;
- Having laid the fertilizer in a trench, it is compacted, sprinkled with earth.
A similar stock of grapes is enough for 3 years. The next time they dig a trench for laying organic matter on the other side of the bush. You can increase it in length and make it deeper in order to lay 5-6 buckets of humus already.
Protection against diseases and pests
The Tempranillo grape variety, under adverse conditions, is affected by fungal diseases. In spring and summer, the necessary spraying with fungicides is carried out, prophylactically treating grapes against infection with mildew, oidium and gray rot.
The variety is susceptible to attacks by phylloxera and leafhoppers. Apply preparations “Kinmiks”, “Karbofos”, BI-58. The treatment is repeated after two weeks.
Keen gardeners from the south of the country should try this wine variety. Only grape planting material should be taken from trusted manufacturers.
