Georgia is one of the few countries where grapes grow wild. Therefore, varieties that lead their history from these places are distinguished by their resistance to adverse factors and possess original taste qualities.
One of the most famous varieties - high value Rkatsitelirelating to the technical grape varieties of white grapes. Technical varieties also belong to Levokumsky, Bianca and August.
This variety is from Kakheti. There are also concentrated the main areas of its cultivation.
Grow grapes Rkatsiteli successfully in other parts of Georgia. A variety is suitable for cultivation in the southern regions of Ukraine; in these conditions, the harvest is fragrant, but slightly more acidic than usual.
There are several names for this grape variety, which are used in various regions of its cultivation. Call it Topolkom, Kinglet, Kukura, Budashuri.
Rkatsiteli grapes: variety description
Shoots have pubescence. The first two young leaves are strongly pubescent, the subsequent ones - to a lesser extent. The lower surface of the leaves is pubescent weaker than the top.
Leaf size - medium, with three or five blades.
The upper cuts of the leaf have an average depth, the lower - shallow, open. Foliage has a weak bronze tint.
The flowers are bisexual, with a good percentage of self-pollination. Vine characterized by medium growth. Amethyst, Moldova and the Count of Monte Cristo also possess bisexual flowers.
A bunch of grapes has a medium size, cylindrical-conical shape, well-defined wing.
The density of the cluster is not constant, closer to the average, weight - about 120-150 grams (in the conditions of Crimea). Oval berries are small (13-15 mm), with a strong thin skin.
Fruits are colored in golden yellow color with characteristic tan spots. Berries sometimes get a pink hue.
Very juicy fruit pulp has a specific pleasant taste.
Sugariness of berries under favorable conditions reaches 23%.
White Delight, King Ruby, Queen of Grapes also have high sugar content.
Special signs:
- pyramidal bush;
- dorsal fossae lyrate, wide open;
- petiole brightly colored;
- berry has three seeds;
- Mature annual shoots - upright, rich red-yellow color.
For the curious: the Georgian word "Rkatsiteli" means "red vine".
A photo
Below is a photo of Rkatsitel grapes:
Other characteristics
Rkatsiteli attributed to the grapes of the average period of maturation from the beginning of bud break, and they bloom rather late, before full maturity takes an average of 155 days.
Therefore, the fruits are ready for removal by mid-October. The sum of active temperatures must be at least 3000 ° C. Cardinal, Dasha and Pervozvanny also have an average ripening period.
Young shoots are characterized by vertical growth.
Their maturation is not bad, they ripen to 90%.
This variety is able to produce large yields up to 150 c / ha.
But grape yield Rkatsiteli may fluctuate significantly in different years. The number of fruitful shoots on a bush also fluctuates greatly: minimum - 20%, maximum - 70%.
The frost resistance of the variety is quite high.. In most areas, it is grown in a non-roofed culture at a high trunk. However, this grape is very bad for dry periods.
Richelieu, Rusven, the Beauty of the North also have high frost resistance.
Features agrotehnika
When growing Rkatsiteli It is desirable to have a landing in areas with sandy or loamy soil.
In areas with hot summers, grapes are best planted on the northern slopes, so that ripening does not occur too quickly.
It is important that the moisture of the plantation is sufficient.
Given the vertical direction of the main shoots, the arrows must be positioned in a horizontal direction so that the ripening clusters can receive a sufficient amount of sunlight.
The optimum load on the bush is 28-30 fruitful shoots with 50-60 eyes. When pruning on the arrow leave no more than 12 buds. Growing grapes in the conditions of fan-shtambic forming, it is recommended to make the sleeves 60-70cm long.
Diseases and pests
The main enemies of the variety are the clustering spider and spider mite. It is against these pests that it is important to apply preventive measures.
By phylloxera variety is resistant to a great extent. Resistant to mildew and gray mold Rkatsiteli well above average.
But oidium grapes are much more susceptible.
Do not ignore such common grape diseases as anthracnose, chlorosis, bacteriosis or rubella. Timely prevention measures will help to avoid many problems.
Breeding history
Although Georgia (primarily Kakheti region) continues to be the main places for the cultivation of an elite variety grape Rkatsiteli, the continuing warming of the climate, as well as the improvement of the technology of growing grapes allow to expand the geography of cultivation Rkatsiteli.
The variety of possible ways of processing the variety allows you to use it for the production of table and sparkling wines, brandy, vintage wines, juices.
In a small amount they use it fresh as well: it is well kept and transported.
