Malbec grape

Malbec is one of the most popular grape varieties. Today, modern gardeners love to grow it on their lands, because it has unique qualities and is widely used in winemaking.

The variety was bred in France, several centuries ago, by crossing two species - Magdalene Noir de Charente and Prunelard.

Malbec is widespread in France, from where it originated. In the 20th century, it could be found everywhere in Europe. In 1956, a harsh and long winter was observed, after which the variety practically died out. This is one of the main reasons why Malbec was not often found in the vineyards then.

As for modern winemaking, grapes are successfully grown not only in vineyards all over the world, but also in summer cottages. The variety is most common in Argentina. You can find the fields planted by him in America, Chile and Italy.

The described grapes are classified as technical wine varieties. Additional names by which he is known:

• Cat;
• Cahors;
• Oxerua;
• Tinturin.

Bushes of medium size, small vigor. Grows best in shaded areas or in a high vineyard complex. The ideal place for cultivation is in the highlands, where temperatures fluctuate dramatically during the day and night.

The shoot can grow up to 12 centimeters in length. The foliage is medium-sized, flat. There is a small fluff below.

Careful care is required for grapes, since one of its main drawbacks is that flowers can crumble.

Ripening period is average. After 141-156 days, you can enjoy delicious and aromatic berries.

The bunches are formed conical or broadly conical. The density is loose.

The berries are round. When ripe, they are dark blue and have a waxy, well-visible bloom. The more ripe the grapes, the darker their color.

The skin is not very thick, medium. The pulp is very juicy, melts in the mouth.

The fruits have a weight of 14.7-14.2 grams. The average length is 1.6 cm. When pressed, the berries of this variety give 90% of the juice.

According to its taste characteristics, Malbec is the standard for high-strength red wine. It is moderately sweet and aromatic.

The yield of the described grapes is 40-160 kg / ha. It should be said that such an indicator is not typical for every year. Grapes are known for their instability, as the flowers can peel off a lot. If the weather favors, then from one hectare you can harvest the maximum yield.

Appointment

This is not a table, but an exclusively technical grape variety.

To achieve high yields, it is worth taking care of the planting site. It is best to plant cuttings on the southern side of the hills. Fertile black soil is the ideal soil for Malbec. It is imperative that there is a high level of groundwater at the landing site.

The described grape variety does not cope with frost, therefore it is planted from mid-April. It all depends on the region - the later spring comes there, the later the planting of cuttings is carried out.

Each stalk is planted in a separate hole for it. At the bottom, drainage is formed in advance and top dressing is laid. A humus solution is ideal. To the root collar, the seedling will need to be sprinkled with a substrate, and then watered well with water. Before planting in the pits, it is worth adding water with a biostimulant.

There is no need to worry about additional pollination. The variety is perfectly adapted to the natural environment in which it grows.

Mixed vine pruning. Since the vine ripens quickly, the grapes are pruned no more than once every 3 years.

The first pruning is carried out after the last frost in the spring, the second - when the first ovaries have formed, the third - at the end of autumn. It is best to leave 2-4 eyes on the shoot.

The grapes, due to the lack of the required amount of moisture, will shed flowers. During a drought period, it is best to water it every few days; in spring and autumn, they look at the condition of the soil. Watering is done by spraying only. It is very important to organize a natural drainage system.

Malbec needs additional nutrition. Useful substances are introduced into the soil at least 3 times per season. As a rule, this is nitrogen, which is introduced into the soil at the time of the formation of greenery, and phosphorus, when ovaries appear. When the grapes begin to bear fruit, add potassium dressing.

The frost resistance of the variety is up to -18 ° C, but the vines need shelter.

Bunchy leaf beetles are the main enemy of grapes. They multiply very quickly. The main means of dealing with them is a synthetic insecticide.

The fruits cannot be stored for a long time. Malbec cannot be transported; after collection, it is immediately allowed into the production process.