Content
The Rochefort grape was bred in 2002 by E.G. Pavlovsky. This variety was obtained in a complex way: pollination of Muscat Talisman with pollen Cardinal grapes. Although Rochefort is a new variety, its unpretentiousness and taste contribute to its spread throughout Russia.
Characteristics of the variety
A detailed description of the Rochefort variety is as follows:
- cone-shaped bunch;
- bunch weight from 0.5 to 1 kg;
- oval fruit shape;
- berry size 2.6x2.8 cm;
- berry weight from 10 to 13 g;
- fruit color from reddish to black;
- Frost resistance down to -21°C.
You can evaluate the external characteristics of the Rochefort variety from the photo:
The grape vine reaches 135 cm. The berries ripen along the entire length of the vine. The clusters and fruits are quite large.
The fruits of the Rochefort grape have the following characteristics:
- sugar content 14-18%;
- acidity 4-7%.
Due to such indicators, the Rochefort variety is considered a reference in winemaking. The fruits have a harmonious taste and aroma of nutmeg. The flesh is quite fleshy, the skin is dense and crispy. Ripe black grapes can be left on the vine; their taste only improves over time.
Productivity of the variety
Rochefort is an early ripening variety, its growing season lasts 110-120 days. The grapes begin to bloom in early summer, so the bush is not susceptible to spring cold snaps.
Rochefort grapes have average yield characteristics. From 4 to 6 kg of grapes are harvested from one bush. With proper care and favorable weather conditions, this figure can reach 10 kg. The variety is self-pollinating, which has a positive effect on productivity.
Planting and care
You can get a high yield of Rochefort grapes if you follow the rules of planting and caring for the bushes. The grapes are planted in sunny places; a hole is first prepared for the bush. Further care includes watering, mulching, pruning the vineyard, and treating it against diseases and pests.
Landing rules
Grapes are not particularly picky about soil composition. However, on sandy soil and in the absence of fertilizing, the number of shoots is reduced. The height of the plant also decreases.
Rochefort grapes prefer sunny areas; when planting near buildings, choose the south or southwest side. Grapes require protection from the wind, so there should be no drafts at the planting site.
Advice! Under the vineyard, the depth of groundwater should be 2 m.
Autumn planting takes place in mid-October. In order for the plant to survive the winter cold, it requires additional shelter.
In the spring, when the weather warms up, you can plant seedlings saved from the fall. Cuttings can be grafted onto dormant rootstocks. If the Rochefort seedling has already produced green shoots, then it is planted only after the soil has finally warmed up and a stable temperature has been established.
A few weeks before planting Rochefort seedlings, a hole 80 cm deep is formed.A layer of fertile soil and 2 buckets of organic fertilizer are poured at the bottom, which are again covered with earth.
The grape seedling is carefully placed in the soil, covered with earth and a support is placed. Then you need to water the plant with warm water. This planting method is very effective for the Rochefort variety, since the seedlings take root quickly.
Watering and mulching
Grapes require abundant watering during the growing season and the appearance of the ovary. After planting, a hole is formed in the ground with a depth of up to 25 cm and a diameter of 30 cm. At first, it is recommended to water within its limits.
Immediately after planting, the grapes are watered every week. After a month, the frequency of watering is reduced to once every two weeks. In arid climates, watering may be more frequent. In August, the grapes are also not watered, which improves the ripening of the fruit.
Grapes experience the greatest need for watering during bud break, after flowering and during the period of active fruit ripening. During flowering, Rochefort does not need to be watered to avoid shedding of inflorescences.
Retain soil moisture and prevent growth weed Mulching helps. Straw or sawdust is used as mulch. Mulching will be beneficial in southern regions, while in other climates cooling of the root system is more likely to occur.
Grape pruning
Trimming Rochefort variety is carried out in autumn and spring. The maximum load on a bush is 35 buds.
Up to 6-8 eyes are left on each shoot. in autumn grapes are pruned until the first frost, after which they cover it for the winter.
In spring, work is carried out when the temperature warms up to +5°C, until sap flow begins.Shoots that have frozen over the winter must be removed.
Protection against diseases
Grape variety Rochefort is characterized by average resistance to fungal diseases. One of the most common lesions that affects the bush is powdery mildew. Its fungus penetrates the leaf blade of the grape and feeds on the juice of its cells.
The disease spreads quickly and covers inflorescences and stems. Therefore, immediate action must be taken to combat powdery mildew.
Disease spores actively develop at high humidity. As a result, the grapes lose fruits, inflorescences and leaves. If damaged during the fruiting period, the berries crack and rot.
An effective remedy for powdery mildew is sulfur, the compounds of which destroy the fungus. Rochefort grapes are sprayed in the morning or evening every 20 days.
To get rid of the disease, 100 g of sulfur is diluted in 10 liters of water. For prevention purposes, a composition is prepared based on 30 g of this substance.
For preventive purposes, grapes are treated with fungicides (Ridomil, Vectra, copper and iron sulfate, Bordeaux mixture). Purchased products are diluted with water strictly in accordance with the instructions.
Pest protection
The Rochefort variety is susceptible to phylloxera. This is a small insect that feeds on the roots, leaves and shoots of plants. The size of phylloxera larvae is 0.5 mm, the adult reaches 1 mm.
When the air warms up to +1°C, the life cycle of phylloxera begins, which lasts until late autumn. As a result, the root system of the grapes suffers, which leads to the death of the bush.
The pest can be identified by the presence of tubercles and other formations on the roots. An infected vineyard cannot be treated and is completely destroyed. Over the next 10 years, it is prohibited to plant grapes in its place.
Therefore, when growing Rochefort grapes, increased attention is paid to preventive measures.
You can plant parsley between the rows of Rochefort grapes. According to the observations of winegrowers, this plant repels phylloxera.
For prevention, grapes are sprayed with fungicides after the appearance of 3 leaves on the shoots. You can use Aktara, Napoval, Konfidor and others.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
The Rochefort variety is distinguished by its excellent taste, unpretentiousness and average yield. With quality care, you can increase the fruiting of the bush. The vineyard must be treated against diseases and pests.
You can learn about the features of the Rochefort variety from the video:
