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Northern Saperavi grapes are grown for wine or fresh consumption. The variety is characterized by increased winter hardiness and high yield. Plants endure harsh winters without shelter.
Characteristics of the variety
Saperavi grapes are an ancient Georgian variety, known since the 17th century. The grape got its name due to the increased concentration of coloring substances in the fruits. The variety was used to color wine made from white and red grape varieties.
The northern variety of Saperavi, which has increased winter hardiness, is grown in garden plots. The variety has been approved for cultivation since 1958 in the North Caucasus and Volga region.
According to the description of the variety, photos and reviews, Saperavi Northern grapes have a number of features:
- technical grade;
- medium-late ripening;
- growing season 140-145 days;
- medium-sized rounded leaves;
- bisexual flowers;
- bunch weight from 100 to 200 g;
- conical shape of the bunch.
Characteristics of Saperavi variety berries:
- weight from 0.7 to 1.2 g;
- oval shape;
- dark blue tough skin;
- waxy coating;
- juicy pulp;
- dark pink juice;
- number of seeds from 2 to 5;
- simple harmonious taste.
The variety's resistance to drought is assessed as average. Flowers rarely fall off, berries are not susceptible to peas.
The harvest is harvested at the end of September. Fruiting is high and stable. When harvesting is late, the berries fall off.
The Saperavi Northern variety is used for preparing table and blended juices. Saperavi wine is characterized by increased astringency.
Saperavi grapes in the photo:
Planting grapes
Saperavi grapes are planted in the autumn so that the plants have time to take root and prepare for winter. Seedlings are purchased from trusted suppliers. Pre-prepare the place for growing the crop. Be sure to take into account illumination, the presence of wind protection and soil quality.
Preparatory stage
Work on planting grapes has been carried out since the beginning of October. The latest date for planting the Saperavi variety is 10 days before the onset of frost. Autumn planting It is preferable to spring, since the development of the root system occurs. If you need to plant grapes in the spring, then choose the period from mid-May to early June.
Saperavi seedlings are purchased from nurseries or from trusted manufacturers. It is best to choose an annual shoot up to 0.5 m high and 8 cm in diameter. Healthy seedlings have green branches and white roots. There should be mature buds on the shoots.
Plants are planted on the south, southwest or west side of the site. If the beds are located on a slope, then the planting holes are prepared in the central part. When located in a lowland, the grapes freeze and are exposed to moisture. The permissible distance to trees is 5 m.
Work order
Northern Saperavi grapes are planted in prepared holes.When carrying out planting work, fertilizers must be added to the soil.
Grape seedlings also need preparation. Their roots are placed in clean water for a day. The shoots are shortened and 4 eyes are left, the root system is slightly trimmed.
Photo of Saperavi grapes after planting:
Sequence of planting Saperavi grapes:
- First, dig a hole with a diameter of up to 1 m.
- A layer of crushed stone 10 cm thick is placed at the bottom.
- A pipe with a diameter of 5 cm is placed at a distance of 10 cm from the edge of the planting hole. 15 cm of pipe should remain above the soil surface.
- A layer of chernozem soil 15 cm thick is poured onto the crushed stone.
- Fertilizers include 150 g of potassium salt and 200 g of superphosphate. You can replace minerals with wood ash.
- Fertilizers are covered with fertile soil, then minerals are added again.
- Soil is poured into the hole and compacted. Then pour out 5 buckets of water.
- The planting hole is left for 1-2 months, after which a small mound of earth is poured.
- A Saperavi grape seedling is placed on top, its roots are straightened and covered with soil.
- After compacting the soil, water the plant abundantly and cover the soil with plastic film, having previously cut a hole for the pipe and seedling.
- The grapes are covered with a cut plastic bottle.
The plant is watered through the left pipe. When the grapes take root, the film and bottle are removed.
Variety care
The Saperavi Northern grape variety gives a good harvest with regular care. The plantings are fed throughout the season and watered periodically. Be sure to perform preventive pruning of shoots. To protect against diseases, special means are used. In cold regions, the Saperavi variety is covered for the winter.
The Saperavi variety is characterized by average resistance to diseases. The variety is slightly susceptible to gray rot and mildew. When using high-quality planting material and following the rules of cultivation, plants rarely get sick.
Watering
Saperavi grapes begin to be watered after the snow has melted and the covering material has been removed. Plants under 3 years old are watered using buried pipes.
In the future, moisture is added twice - a week before the buds open and after the end of flowering. When the berries of the Saperavi variety begin to acquire a blue tint, stop watering.
In late autumn, before sheltering for the winter, the grapes are watered abundantly. Adding moisture helps plants survive the winter better. If the Saperavi variety is grown for winemaking, then one winter watering per season is enough for the plants.
Top dressing
Saperavi grapes respond positively to the addition of minerals and organic matter. When using fertilizers during planting, the plants are not fed for 3-4 years. During this period, the bush forms and fruiting begins.
The first treatment is carried out after removing the cover in the spring. Each plant requires 50 g of urea, 40 g of superphosphate and 30 g of potassium sulfate. The substances are introduced into furrows made around the bushes and covered with earth.
A week before flowering, the grapes are fed with chicken droppings. For 1 bucket of fertilizer add 2 buckets of water. The product is left to infuse for 10 days, then diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5. Add 20 g of potassium and phosphorus fertilizers to the solution.
Nitrogen fertilizers, including chicken manure, are used until mid-summer. Nitrogen stimulates the formation of shoots, which negatively affects yields.
When the berries ripen, the plants are watered with a solution containing 45 g of phosphorus and 15 g of potassium. Fertilizers can be incorporated into the soil in dry form.
Northern Saperavi grapes are processed by spraying. For treatment, take preparations Kemira or Aquarin, containing a complex of nutrients.
Trimming
Saperavi grapes are pruned in the fall, when the growing season ends. Pruning allows you to rejuvenate the bush, increase its lifespan and productivity. In spring, only sanitary pruning is performed if there are diseased or frozen shoots.
3-8 sleeves are left on young plants. In adult bushes, young shoots up to 50 cm long are eliminated. On branches longer than 80 cm, the side stepsons are removed and the tops are shortened by 10%.
In summer, it is enough to remove excess shoots and leaves that cover the bunches from the sun. The procedure allows the plant to evenly receive light and nutrition.
Shelter for the winter
The Saperavi Northern variety is resistant to winter frosts. In the absence of snow cover, plants need additional shelter.
The grapes are removed from the vines and covered with spruce branches. Arcs are placed on top, on which agrofibre is stretched. The edges of the covering material are pressed down with stones. The cover should not be too dense. The grapes are provided with fresh air.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
Northern Saperavi grapes are a technical variety used for making wine. The plant is characterized by increased resistance to winter frosts and high and stable yields. The crop is grown in prepared areas, watered and fed. In the fall, preventative pruning is performed. The Saperavi variety is unpretentious and rarely suffers from diseases.
