Cultivated grapes (Vitis vinifera) is a representative of perennial shrub vines. Its technical varieties are grown specifically for the production of strong, table and dessert wines. Fresh berries of such grapes are usually not consumed due to the peculiar taste. Many technical varieties of this cultivated plant have been developed by breeders. And one of the best is Cabernet Sauvignon.
A bit of history
The popular Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety was bred in France in the 17th century. folk selection method. In this state, it is still one of the most common of all technical, grown industrially. In popularity, at the moment it is second only to Merlot grapes. Breeders found that the Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc varieties were once parental to him .
Currently, this wonderful grape is grown not only in France, but also in many other countries. For example, farmers in the USA, Japan, South America and the Mediterranean countries are engaged in its cultivation. This grape is grown in Ukraine as well as in Russia.
Cabernet Sauvignon Technical Grapes : Variety Description
The teeth in the grape leaves of this variety are very large. Due to the strong dissection and the rounded edges of the plate look "lace". Cabernet Sauvignon's flowers are bisexual, and the clusters are quite loose, but neat. The berries of this variety are small - in diameter they reach about 1.5 cm. The clusters themselves can grow up to 15 cm long and up to 8 cm wide. They usually have a cylindrical (sometimes conical) shape. In some cases, a wing may form on the bunches.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape variety that, among other things, is distinguished by the following characteristic features:
A little about taste
Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape variety whose berries are not eaten fresh. The thing is in their special grassy tart taste. The smell of berries has a characteristic nightshade. Their taste is slightly reminiscent of currants. Wine made from Sauvignon berries differs in approximately the same qualities. The finished drink is tart with a faint smell of nightshade.
Advantages and disadvantages
The benefits of Cabernet Sauvignon include, but are not limited to:
unpretentiousness in leaving;
relative frost resistance;
immunity to mildew and phylloxera.
This grape is also appreciated for the fact that it practically does not rot (even with prolonged rains in the fall). The disadvantages of Cabernet Sauvignon include a tendency to shed ovaries and peas.
Biological features
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape belongs to the group of late ripe. In the southern regions of Russia and Ukraine, its harvest is usually harvested in early to mid-October. The ripening period of berries for making table wines is about 140 days, dessert - 160 days.
Cuttings of this variety take root quickly and without problems. Its shoots ripen very well. The productivity of Cabernet Sauvignon is average - about 60-70 kg / ha.
Characteristics of berries
The taste of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, as already mentioned, has a tart, currant. The sugar content of the juice of its berries is usually 20 g / 100 cm 3 and the acidity is 9 g / dm 3 . In particularly favorable, not too rainy years with a warm spring, the value of the first indicator can increase to 24 g / 100 cm 3 .
Varieties of Cabernet
Of course, at different times it was carried out with such a culture as Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, selection. The description of the variety given above allows us to judge it as one of the best of all technical to date. Currently, the following forms of this popular grape are grown in different places on the planet:
Cabernet Cortis. This variety was bred by crossing Sauvignon and Merzling. This grape ripens on 138-140 days after flowering. Its distinctive feature is high productivity.
Cabernet North. Berries of this variety ripen earlier Sauvignon - in mid-September. Its distinctive feature is frost resistance (up to -27 C). The clusters of this grape are very small (100 grams), and the bushes are weak.
Cabernet King. The advantage of this variety is that its flowers bloom later than Sauvignon. And therefore, it is less susceptible to the negative effects of spring frosts.
Cabernet Michurinsky. This is an early ripe grape whose harvest can be harvested already 115-125 days after flowering. The advantages of this variety include high frost resistance (up to -29 C).
Cabernet Jura. This variety produces delicious wines with an unusual bouquet. Its advantage is that it is very resistant to various infectious diseases.
Choosing a place to land
Cabernet varieties are absolutely undemanding to the soil and growing conditions. However, they feel best on the southern slopes on nutrient soils. If there is no natural hill on the site, you can make artificial. It is better to plant Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in rows from north to south in a well-lit, ventilated area.
As a stock for this grade are usually used:
- Riparia 3309;
- "Riparia 101-14";
- "Kober 5BB";
- "Ber-Landieri Teleki 8B".
How to care
You can plant grapes of this variety both in autumn and in spring. The width between the rows should be about 3-4 m. During the warm season, this grape needs to be fed several times. As a fertilizer, it is best to use organics. The last feeding of grapes is carried out in mid-July. Fertilizing at a later time can stimulate unnecessary vegetation, which will delay the further development of clusters.
During the ripening period, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety needs frequent watering. The frequency of soil moisture below it depends on the climatic features of this particular region. You can’t overdo it with watering. Otherwise, the berries may lose their special taste. For the last time, the soil under the grapes is moistened in the fall.
Bush formation
Experts advise to necessarily carry out a short pruning of annual shoots of grapes of this variety. In this case, the fruiting of the vines will increase significantly as a result of activation of the lower ocelli. Although with a high yield, this grape practically does not lose its taste, it is recommended to slightly reduce the length of its fruit arrows. This will reduce the load on the bush.
Cabernet Sauvignon is usually grown on high boles. At the same time, several young growths are left to hang freely. Cut annual shoots in this case for about 5-6 eyes.
Grape Reviews
Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety, the characteristic of which was given above, the quality is simply excellent. Therefore, reviews about him on the network are extremely positive. From the berries of this grape comes just a great wine - spicy, tart, tastes good.
Actually, this variety itself was recognized not only due to the fact that it is possible to prepare such an elegant drink from it. Winegrowers respond about him and as a very unpretentious and productive. When grown, this culture does not cause almost any trouble. The only Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety is preferably periodically processed from a spider mite and from itching. It is recommended to use standard insecticides.
Of course, this grape is not only cultivated in an industrial way. It is grown by summer residents in their suburban areas. If desired, wine from it can be prepared, including independently.
Instead of a conclusion
Thus, we have found out what qualities differ Cabernet grapes (with varieties). The description of the form of Sauvignon and others given above allows us to judge this culture as one of the most suitable for the production of fine wines. The cultivation of these varieties along with Merlot allows you to get drinks with excellent taste, exquisite and expensive. And consequently, their cultivation both in industrial conditions and in private suburban areas is an expedient and profitable business.