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Many budding gardeners who decide to start their own vineyard are often intimidated by the so-called technical grape varieties. Some even think, out of their inexperience, that these grapes, in general, are unsuitable for eating, and they can only be used for wine after appropriate processing. Of course, such ideas about technical grape varieties are fundamentally wrong, especially since most of them have rather high taste characteristics. By the way, you have never noticed with how much pleasure little children prefer technical grapes to table grapes. The explanation is quite simple - most technical varieties have a high sugar content, which is necessary for the preparation of high-quality wines. In addition, it is the technical grape varieties that contain a greater amount of healthy elements, amino acids and vitamins. And children feel it very well intuitively.
The Crystal grape is considered a typical technical or wine variety. That does not interfere with using it for the preparation of juices, compotes, jellies and pastilles. If you are going to plant a vineyard in one of the regions north of the Voronezh region, then in this case the Crystal grape variety, due to its greater unpretentiousness, will be an excellent choice for you not only for making wine and other drinks, but also for fresh consumption. In this case, a photo and description of the Crystal grape variety, as well as reviews of those who grew it on their site, will allow you to finally make your choice.
Description of the variety
Hungarian breeders did a good job at one time, crossing Amur grapes with Challozi Lajos, and only then the resulting hybrid was crossed again with the universal Hungarian variety Villar blanc. Thanks to the Amur grapes, Crystal has developed good frost resistance and unpretentiousness to many unfavorable conditions and diseases. And from Villard Blanc, he took good taste and resistance to mildew and gray rot.
In 2002, the Kristall grape variety was included in the state register of Russia and recommended for cultivation in the North Caucasus and Lower Volga regions. The originator was the All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking. Potapenko, located in the city of Novocherkassk, Rostov region.
It should be borne in mind that in the vastness of Ukraine, a hybrid form of Black Crystal grapes appeared relatively recently, which has nothing to do with an ordinary Crystal. It was bred by the amateur winegrower V.M. Kalugin, according to him, by crossing the Talisman and the Bulgarian variety with very large Veliki berries. The hybrid form can be interesting, but there is almost no reliable information about it at the moment, so any information about this variety is subject to additional verification.
Crystal grapes belong to very early varieties in terms of ripening, the berries acquire a marketable appearance, as a rule, 110-115 days after the buds begin to awaken. In the conditions of the middle zone, this occurs approximately in the middle to the second half of August. But usually if you plan to use the Crystal for making wine, it is allowed to hang for a while for sufficient sugar accumulation in the berries and their final ripening. For food, berries can be used much earlier, if you are satisfied with their taste.
However, at the same time, the acidity of the berries decreases, up to 4 g / l, which is good for fresh consumption, but may not have a very good effect on the quality of the wine.
Bushes usually have medium vigor. A curious feature of the Kristall variety is the possibility of leaves with varying degrees of dissection on the same bushes. The variety is able to demonstrate good yield indicators, since 85-90% of the total number of fruit-bearing shoots are observed. On average, the yield of Kristall grape bushes from one hectare is about 160 centners, in favorable conditions it can reach 200 centners / ha.
The maturation of the shoots is excellent, reaching 100%. The color of young shoots is reddish. On average, there are about 1.3 bunches per shoot.
The bushes are prone to thickening, so it is necessary to regularly remove stepchildren, it is especially important to carry out this procedure before flowering, so that the green mass does not take away nutrition from the peduncles.
The rooting rate of cuttings of this grape variety is excellent. They simply root in the ground without any problems, even without the use of special rooting stimulants. Cuttings also grow well with almost any stock.
The flowers of the Crystal are bisexual, so it does not require additional pollinators, while it itself can serve as an excellent pollinator for varieties with a female type of flowers.
The bushes have increased winter hardiness, up to -29 ° C, although according to gardeners' reviews, when growing Crystal in the middle lane, he still needs shelter.
The presence of genetic immunity to gray rot is very attractive in the characteristics of this variety, which is very important in case of possible damp and rainy weather during the ripening of berries.
Also, Crystal grapes are characterized by increased resistance to the main fungal diseases: to mildew - 2.5 points, to mildew - 2 points (on a five-point scale, in which 0 is complete resistance).
Characteristics of bunches and berries
The Crystal grape variety is distinguished by the following characteristics of bunches and berries:
- The bunches are predominantly conical or cylindrical-conical in shape and of medium density.
- The size of the bunches is average, the weight of one bunch can vary from 180 to 200 grams.
- The berries and bunches are well attached to the stalk, so they do not crumble and can hang on the bush for a long time.
- The berries of Crystal grapes cannot be called large, the weight of one grape is 1.8-2.5 grams.
- The berries are round or slightly oval in shape, the color can change from yellow to white-green, in bright sunlight, a slight pinkish color can appear.
- The berries of this variety are characterized by a well-pronounced prune or waxy bloom that covers the skin and provides additional protection against the penetration of harmful microorganisms.
- The skin itself is very strong, which is typical of most technical grape varieties.
- But the pulp is very juicy, tender, good harmonious taste without additional impurities.
- The grapes gain sugar content up to 18-19 Brix, and the acidity during the first ripening period is 6-7 g / l. As mentioned above, with a prolonged stay on the bushes, the acidity begins to decrease and reaches 4-5 g / l. When grown in southern regions or in a wall culture on the south side, the Crystal is capable of picking up sugar up to 23 Brix.
- The main use of the Kristall grape is the production of dry table wines, such as Sherry. Tasters rate the taste of table wine obtained from Kristall grapes at 8.5 points, and sparkling wine at 9.1 points.
- Also, a very tasty juice can be prepared from this grape variety, while the juice content in the berries is 70%.
- Of course, there are seeds in the berries, but they are not very felt while eating, the skin is more felt.
- Cracking of berries and peas in grapes is not observed, but the lower brushes with prolonged storage on the bushes can begin to wither.
Growing features
Crystal grapes begin to bear fruit 2-3 years after planting. Novice gardeners should take into account that the first two years after planting, the bushes should not be tested for frost resistance - it is advisable to cover them. With age, the vines can simply be lowered to the ground, allowing them to be covered with snow. And in the southern regions, you can even try to leave shoots on the trellis for wintering.
It is better to trim it rather short - 2-3 eyes. The optimal number of buds left for an adult bush is about 60.
The variety is quite hygrophilous, with a lack of water it may not manifest itself in the best way.
Grapes of this variety respond well to micronutrient feeding, especially before flowering, since, for example, a lack of boron and zinc can adversely affect the formation of ovaries.
The thickening of the bush must also not be allowed, because the ovaries can fall off from this and, as a result, the yield will decrease, and the appearance of the bunches will worsen.
Gardeners reviews
Crystal grapes are very popular both among professional winegrowers who grow it exclusively for wine production, and among amateur gardeners.
Conclusion
Crystal berries do not shine with their presentation and, despite their rather good preservation, are unlikely to be too attractive to buyers. But in terms of taste, it may well compete with many table varieties, plus it is highly resistant and unpretentious in care. Therefore, as a homemade grape for personal use, he will be one of the worthy candidates.
