Cabernet Sauvignon grapes

The grape is a perennial vine or climbing bush with several thousand cultivated varieties. One of the most famous and popular technical varieties is Cabernet Sauvignon. It differs from its relatives in many positive qualities.

The historical homeland of the famous grapes is the French province of Bordeaux. After the Paris World Exhibition, Cabernet Sauvignon began the triumphant conquest and settlement of vineyards. The progenitors of the king of winemaking were the white and black varieties of Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The origin of the most common and famous grape variety has long been shrouded in mystery. There are suggestions that the variety was created by an unknown genius of winemaking. Scientific research and genetic analysis have provided conclusive proof that the hybrid is the result of natural crossing.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a technical grape variety that is in great demand in the production of wines, but is not eaten fresh.

The young shoot of the plant is excellently characterized by:

• pale greenish, almost white crown;
• wine-red bordering of the teeth of pale green leaves with whitish-pink pubescence.

Distinctive features of an adult plant:

• powerful sprawling bush;
• leaves - strongly dissected, five-lobed, with irregular triangular teeth;
• carved reddish border with a thin spiderweb fluff on soft green foliage.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium late variety, ripening occurs in 140-145 days. In warm and long autumn, the growing season increases to 160-165 days. Brushes, which have the characteristic feature of hanging for a long time without decay, gain the maximum percentage of sugar content.

From grape inflorescences, medium-sized bunches of a cylindrical-conical shape are formed. The brush grows heterogeneous, loose, with a free arrangement of berries. Average bunch sizes:

• length - 15 cm;
• the diameter at the base is 8-10 cm, which sharply decreases after several berry rows;
• leg length - about 7 cm;
• weight - on average 78 grams, sometimes it reaches 130.

The fruits of the Cabernet Sauvignon vine cannot be confused with others. A medium-sized, round, dark blue grape has a rough, strong, thick skin, which is not afraid of any climatic changes in the weather, precipitation, cold. Its distinctive feature is a rich wax coating. The small diameter of the berry (13-15 mm) contains juicy pulp with an almost colorless pale pink juice and 1-3 seeds. Cracking and rot is not a statement about Cabernet Sauvignon berries.

The herbaceous flesh of the berries has a distinctly bright taste of ripe nightshade and black currant. Interestingly, palatability may vary depending on maturity, conditions and location.

Despite the small brush size and medium-sized berries, grapes are characterized by high yield rates. This is facilitated by the positive qualities of the species:

• berry clusters for a long period can remain on the bushes until frost;
• lowering the temperature does not impair the quality of the berries;
• lack of decay and shedding.

Cabernet Sauvignon is unpretentious, has mastered different climatic territories, but areas with sufficient soil moisture can boast of large yields.

With great unpretentiousness of this variety, some agrotechnical conditions, planting dates, factors "favorite" by grapes should be taken into account:

• good illumination of landings;
• soil moisture.

Plantations planted in warm regions with a choice of southern slopes of hills and hills will delight you with a good harvest and its quick ripening.

In order for the grapes to delight with beautiful graceful bushes, an abundance of dark blue wax brushes, it must be planted correctly. Spring and autumn are the time to take care of future plantations. It should be planted, taking into account some mandatory rules.

1. Plants must be planted from north to south to ensure good ventilation and uniform lighting - this grape variety does not like places completely closed from the wind.
2. Spring plantings are carried out in well-heated soil, when there is no frost, autumn plantings - before the onset of cold weather, otherwise Cabernet Sauvignon will freeze and not take root.
3. The best planting material is a grafted seedling, because grape seeds are not always ready for harsh conditions.
4. Given the volumetric vines of the variety, the row spacing should be at least 2.5 m.

Among the positive qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon, growers note its ability to self-pollinate. The hybrid has bisexual flowers - male and female types, so grapes have no problems with fruits, even if there are no insects around.

To form a full-fledged bush, a grape vine requires pruning and a horizontal garter. It is held twice - in spring (autumn) and in summer. The Cabernet Sauvignon variety is characterized by two types of bush formation:

• short;
• mixed.

Pruning fruit shoots by 5-6 eyes, eliminating weak and sterile shoots rejuvenates the bushes and makes them more productive.

The popularity of this type of grape has brought relative winter hardiness. The vine can withstand frosts down to -22 ° C, so there is no need for shelter. You should take care of young seedlings - for them, sudden changes in temperature are undesirable and dangerous. It is impossible to guess the weather conditions, so it is better to take care and insulate the vines in advance.

The grape variety Cabernet Sauvignon has many undeniable advantages, one of which is increased resistance to diseases. However, some diseases pose a danger to young seedlings:

• mildew;
• gray rot,
• phylloxera.

Among the pests, spider mites, itching and wasps are dangerous for grapes, but the variety has increased immunity to bunchy leafworms. Preventive spraying will protect against the appearance of insect pests and fungal diseases of the plant.

The harvested grape harvest does not require long-term storage, its fruits are processed for preparation:

• high quality red table wines;
• juices.

A wonderful way of storage is vinification and aging in oak barrels, although undamaged berries can be stored fresh for several months.