Many summer residents grow grapes in their summer cottages. Varieties of this culture have recently been bred. Some gardeners are even a little lost and do not know which one to choose. In order not to be mistaken, of course, first of all, it is worth focusing on the reviews of other, more experienced summer residents. For example, gardeners have a very good opinion about early Gourmet grapes. A description of this particular variety will be given below in the article.
A bit of history
This grape was bred by the famous folk breeder V.N. Krainov. The hybrid grape forms obtained by this specialist amaze many gardeners. The main distinguishing features of the varieties bred by V. N. Krainov are very bulky clusters and large berries. Gardeners especially appreciate the hybrids of this Gourmet specialist. Summer residents of this group of varieties are considered especially tasty. This applies, of course, to the hybrid we are considering.
An early Gourmet was recently added to the register in 2016. When breeding it, V. N. Krainov used two hybrids that are also very popular among summer residents - Kishmish radiant and Talisman.
Gourmet early grapes : general description of the variety
The main advantage of this hybrid, according to gardeners, in addition to the excellent palatability of the fruit, is early ripening. The growth rate of this vine is medium. Each shoot of this variety ripens by about 2/3 of the length (sometimes more). Among other things, the hybrid has a female functional flower. This variety is pollinated very well. Relate to the pluses of these vines and frost resistance. In the south of Russia, Gourmet carries early winter very well. However, when grown in the Middle lane, in the Urals or in Siberia in autumn, this grape is recommended to be covered. The degree of frost resistance of this hybrid is -23 ° C.
Also, the advantages of the Gourmet grape variety early include resistance to disease. For example, with gray rot or mildew, this hybrid almost never gets sick. Gourmet early resistance to oidium is medium.
Productivity
Of course, the popularity of the Gourmet early variety is explained not only by the rapid ripening of fruits. In terms of yield, there are simply excellent reviews about it. There are actually a lot of grapes on the vines of this variety. Also, the yield of this hybrid, judging by the reviews, is stable. However, in order for the grapes to produce equally rich yields each year, it is recommended that they be trimmed. In the spring, about 22-24 shoots per 4-6 m 2 (or 30-35 eyes) are left on each bush. The shoots themselves are usually cut into 6-8 eyes.
Grapes
The brushes of this grape, like all Gourmet hybrids, are very large. The clusters are cylindrical in shape. Their density is average. The mass of early grapes is usually 500-800 grams. In some cases, with good care, this figure can reach 1300 g. The brushes of this grade look very neat. The load of clusters Gourmet early, judging by the reviews of gardeners, “pulls” very well. Transportability brushes are not bad.
Grape berries
The gourmet fruits themselves are characterized by very large sizes. The weights of the berries of this hybrid usually reach 8-10 grams. They have an oval shape. You can recognize this variety not only by large berries and voluminous brushes. The clusters of the hybrid also look very neat. Berries are distinguished by a spectacular red color.
The taste of the Gourmet early fruit is very pleasant - sweet and sour with a hint of nutmeg. The pulp of the berries is medium-dense, slightly crispy. The skin of fruits of this variety has an average thickness. In this regard, the hybrid is therefore inferior to many other varieties. However, when eating, the peel of the fruits of the variety is practically not felt. That is, it does not have a special negative effect on the taste of berries. The fruit is moderate in fruit. Indicators of sugar content in early Gourmet grapes - 17-21%, acidity - 6-7 g / l.
The taste, according to many gardeners, the fruits of this variety are not too bright. However, most summer residents do not consider this a special drawback. Unlike the fruits of many other hybrids, Gourmet early berries never pall. Gardeners appreciate this variety mainly not for its rather high productivity, but for the pleasant taste of berries.
Care Features
In the spring, to remove shelter from the Gourmet grapes early in April, after the threat of frost passes below -10 ° C. Sometimes, after winter, molds can be seen on the vines of this variety. In this case, no action is required. After a while, the mold itself will disappear.
Also, in the spring, a procedure such as spraying is mandatory. Gourmet is an early resistant disease. However, prevention still does not fit him. For spraying, it is best to use Bordeaux fluid. You can also apply a 5% solution of copper sulfate.
In the summer, early Gourmet grape care should be:
weekly watering at the rate of 10 liters per bush;
periodic top dressing with ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate;
Before the harvest, the extra leaves should be removed from the vines - at the bottom of the bush and above the brushes. After this procedure, the clusters will receive more sunlight and begin to develop better. Topping grapes can be carried out simultaneously with watering.
Gourmet early grape reviews
Gardeners have a very good opinion about this variety. Praise him, as already mentioned, primarily for a harmonious taste bouquet. According to many gardeners, this is one of the best varieties of all available today. Also, summer residents attribute the advantages of this hybrid to the fact that it reproduces very well with green cuttings.
The flowers in this variety are female. However, it is pollinated from neighboring bushes, according to summer residents, very well.
The yield of this grape is excellent, and the brushes of the vine keep excellent. However, experienced gardeners do not advise overloading the Gourmet bushes too early. Otherwise, the taste of the berries of this grape will decrease. Good reviews about this variety are available both from summer residents of the Middle Strip, and Siberia, the Urals.
The disadvantages of this variety gardeners include mainly only the large size of the seeds in the fruits. In addition, they are also poorly separated from the pulp.
Harvesting
Like any other grape, Gourmet early fruits can ripen only on the bush. Therefore, when harvesting, all berries should be ripe. This grape ripens in early August. As many gardeners note, berries can be stored in this case until March. The taste qualities and properties of the fruit for all this time do not change. Sometimes summer residents store clusters of this variety in cool rooms (0- + 5 ° C). In this case, they can last until May.