Content
Despite the almost annual appearance of new promising hybrid forms of grapes, old time-tested varieties are in no hurry to disappear from vineyards, and simply from gardeners' summer cottages throughout Russia. The grape Nadezhda Azos, which at one time became one of the most promising novelties in the art of viticulture, still does not lose its leadership position. He continues to steadfastly hold on to the top ten most popular grape varieties throughout Russia.
And even in spite of the borderline periods of ripening of berries for the regions of the so-called northern viticulture, its spread in regions far from the traditional cultivation of grapes is a real surprise. Apparently, this is due to the very late awakening of buds and flowering of grape bushes, which allows avoiding damage to grapes in relatively northern regions by recurrent spring frosts. The description of the grape variety Nadezhda Azos and the accompanying photos will help you decide whether to start this variety on your site. But, according to the reviews of those who have been growing this grape for many years, every year it only becomes more stable and more beautiful.
History of creation
In the 70s of the twentieth century, scientists breeders of the Anapa Zonal Station of Horticulture and Viticulture developed a new hybrid form of table grapes, which later received the name Nadezhda AZOS at the place of its origin.
The variety arose as a result of a hybrid crossing between two famous and beloved grape varieties: Moldova and the Cardinal. The cardinal had to leave the vineyards by now due to a very weak resistance to various fungal diseases, but he was able to transfer part of his amazing taste to his brainchild and shifted the ripening dates to earlier ones. Since Moldova, with all its positive qualities - huge yield, resistance to diseases and stability of fruiting - has a very late ripening period, unacceptable for most regions of Russia, except for the southernmost ones.
After many years of testing, it was only in 1991 that the grapes Nadezhda AZOS were submitted as an applicant for registration with the State Register of Russia. But times were difficult and difficult, so only in 1998 this grape, finally, deservedly received the full right to be called a variety and was entered in the State Register with a restriction on the admission of cultivation in the North Caucasus region.
However, lovers of this variety, of course, were not stopped by territorial restrictions on cultivation, and the grapes Nadezhda AZOS began to spread every year more and more north, until it reached the Moscow region and Belarus, where it successfully ripens for many years and only in the most unfavorable summer seasons needs in additional shelters with non-woven materials.
Description of the variety
The grape bushes Nadezhda Azos, obviously, belong to the vigorous group and have such a powerful vigor that they need mandatory annual formation and pruning. The dark green leaves are very large, with three or five lobes and dense cobweb pubescence. The bunches are firmly attached to the shoots with thick stalks.
Flowers are bisexual, which means that additional pollinators are not needed for Azos grapes.True, this grape variety is not characterized by the best pollination of flowers in rainy weather. In this regard, the opinions of winegrowers differ: some complain about poor pollination and, as a result, the tying of brushes, others admire the fact that Nadezhda Azos shows good tying even during the period of weekly heavy rains. Apparently, a lot depends on the peculiarities of caring for grape bushes - this variety, due to its high growth energy, has a tendency to thicken with shoots. All weak shoots must be removed either during autumn pruning or in spring, otherwise, due to excessive thickening of the ovary, the ovary may fall off.
The fruitfulness of the shoots is quite high - an average of 80-90%. The maturation of the shoots is good along their entire length.
From three to five brushes can form on the vine, the bush will strive to take out the entire formed crop, and in order not to strain its strength, it is necessary to leave no more than one or two bunches on each shoot.
The rooting rate of cuttings of this variety is rather weak and unstable. For example, roots may form, but the eyes will not wake up. On average, judging by the gardeners' reviews, only 50-70% of Nadezhda Azos grape cuttings turn into full-fledged healthy bushes.
Nadezhda Azos grape bushes quickly form fruits. The first small, so-called signal clusters, are usually removed the next year after planting the seedlings. Every year, the yield itself, and the size of the brushes, and the stability of fruiting only increase. In general, the yield indicators of this variety are at a very high level, from one adult bush you can easily get up to 30 kg of grapes.
In terms of ripening, the originators classify Nadezhda Azos grapes as early, but according to the experience of growing in most regions, it should rather be attributed to medium early varieties. It takes about 120-130 days from the swelling of the buds to the ripening of the berries. It should also be borne in mind that budding and flowering at Nadezhda Azos is very late. In terms of flowering time, this variety is one of the latest, which is a great advantage for all regions with unstable weather conditions during the spring. But subsequently, the shoots of grapes grow and develop so quickly that they catch up and even overtake some of their comrades. Ripening of bunches begins from the second half of August (in the south) to the end of September (in the middle zone), where this grape ripens one of the very last.
Berries keep well on bushes and are less damaged by wasps than other varieties. Apparently, this is due to the relatively dense skin of the berries.
The frost resistance of the bushes is average - the buds are able to withstand frost up to -22 ° C without shelter. In most Russian regions, this variety requires mandatory shelter for the winter.
Nadezhda Azos shows good resistance to most fungal diseases. To mildew and powdery mildew - good resistance, about 4 points. To gray rot - average, about three points.
Characteristics of bunches and berries
Among the black-fruited grape varieties, Nadezhda Azos has a stable and high yield and a good harmonious taste.
The video below illustrates well all the main characteristics of Nadezhda Azos grapes.
The variety has the following characteristics:
- The bunches are predominantly conical in shape, with a variety of processes and "tongues". You cannot call them particularly dense, on the contrary, they are rather loose.
- The older the grape bush becomes, the larger the brush size on it is capable of ripening under favorable conditions. On average, the weight of one brush is 500-700 grams. But record brushes weighing from 1.7 to 2.3 kg are known.
- The berries have a fairly standard oval shape, large in size, about 24 by 28 mm, weighing 6 to 9 grams.
- The flesh is firm, fleshy and crunchy. The skin is quite dense, but quite edible.
- The grapes have such a dark blue hue that they seem almost black, covered with a slight waxy bloom.
- The seeds are not found in all berries, they are medium in size, not very noticeable when eaten.
- The berries of this variety have a sweet, sweet taste with a slight sourness, simple but harmonious. The tasters rate it at 8.2 points on a 10-point assessment.
- With incomplete ripeness of berries, a slight astringency can be noted.
- Sugar gains up to 14-15%, acidity is about 10, 2%.
- The preservation of the berries is very good, on average they can be stored in the refrigerator for about a month. But, according to some gardeners, they manage to preserve the grapes of the Nadezhda Azos variety until the New Year.
- Naturally, the berries are also distinguished by excellent transportability.
- Grapes of this variety are ranked among the table grapes. Indeed, it is rarely used for winemaking. But wonderful juices, compotes, marshmallows and other preparations are made from it.
As for the stability of the berries themselves, it is at an average level. On the one hand, peas are much less common than other varieties, such as Codryanka. On the other hand, it directly depends on the loading of grape bushes with inflorescences, and the total load on the shoots. Try not to overload the bushes of Nadezhda Azos and she will thank you with a quality and timely harvest.
Gardeners reviews
Gardeners have long appreciated and loved the grape variety Nadezhda Azos and even affectionately call it Nadyushka. The vast majority of those who grow it are not going to part with it in the coming years.
Conclusion
The grape Nadezhda Azos is a variety that shows resistance and reliability in almost all weather conditions. He only needs to normalize the inflorescences, especially in the first years of life. Otherwise, it will delight you with a good harvest and dessert taste of berries with easy maintenance.
