Malbec grapes: description and characteristics of the variety, rules for growing and care

Grape wine is a drink that has not lost its popularity for hundreds of years. Often the owners of the plots plant vineyards for one purpose - to make intoxicating wine. The cultivation of Malbec grapes by winemakers has long been a good tradition, because it is this technical variety that has become famous for its taste and aroma, which are transferred to the intoxicating drink.

History of selection

The birthplace of Malbec grapes is sunny France. There, this variety is quite popular even in the presence of more productive species. Thanks to the positive feedback from French gardeners and winemakers, the culture quickly spread throughout Europe.

The hybrid owes its appearance to two equally popular varieties - Gaillac, Montpellier. To date, the leader in the cultivation of Malbec is Argentina - since the 19th century, huge plantations of grapes have been planted there.

Pros and cons of the variety

Before growing Malbec grapes, it is recommended to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the variety. Benefits include:

• taste;
• fruit juiciness;
• lasting fragrance;
• unpretentiousness;
• stable fruiting;
• active growth and development.

Of the shortcomings, weak frost resistance is noted. Even a warm shelter is often not enough to save plants from dying in severe frosts.

Calorie content and acidity of fruits

Due to the increased sugar content, the acidity of Malbec berries is low - in the range of 2.9-3.2 g/l.

Calorie fruit about 70 kcal.

External parameters

The appearance of grapes is no different from the parameters of an extensive grape family, although there are several features that are best studied in advance.

Vine

Malbec bushes are vigorous, have long powerful whips that can withstand the weight of large clusters. With proper care, timely top dressing, the shoots of the plant give an annual increase of 15-25 cm.

Leaves

Malbec leaves are medium in size, five-fingered, funnel-shaped. Small fluff on the bottom. Hue - light green, bushes growing in the shade, a darker color.

Berries

The fruits of grapes are dark ink. Clusters of medium size, dense, have a cylindrical shape. The mass of one berry reaches 4 g. The weight of the brush is within 500-700 g.

Characteristics of the hybrid

Before you start growing a hybrid, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the main characteristics. The qualities of the variety will determine whether this species should be preferred.

Frost resistance

One of the disadvantages of Malbec grapes is poor cold tolerance. Already at 20 degrees, the bushes can die. Covering is recommended in cool regions.

Immunity to diseases and pests

Another drawback of the grape variety is frequent damage by diseases and pests. Among the diseases that develop on plants are mildew, anthracnose, gray rot. Preventive treatments are the only way to prevent damage.

From pests on the bushes, a leafworm often settles, against which it is recommended to use chemicals.

Transportability

Transportation and long-term storage of Malbec fruits is not recommended - due to the juiciness of the fruits and the friability of the clusters, the presentation of the grapes quickly deteriorates. It is better to use the berries for processing immediately after harvest.

Yields

The flowers of Malbec grapes often fall off, which makes it impossible to accurately determine the amount of the crop. In favorable climatic conditions, it will be possible to harvest up to 150 centners per hectare, but often the yield is much lower - within 40-60 centners.

Reproduction method

For propagation of Malbec grapes, cuttings are used, although many gardeners use cuttings. Cuttings are recommended to stock up in the spring or during the summer. Reproduction by layering should be carried out during the warm season.

Cultivation and agricultural technology

Special difficulties with cultivation will not arise even with a minimum of knowledge of agricultural technology. The main thing is to carry out the correct planting, regularly irrigate, apply nutritional compounds, and trim.

Timing and planting patterns

For Malbec grapes, it is recommended to choose a spring planting. During the season, the bush will have time to give additional roots, which will make it easy to transfer wintering.

It is recommended to plant bushes at a distance of 2.5-3 m. Leave up to 2 m between rows, this will allow the plants to fully develop.

Seasonal Care

Seasonal care is simple - top dressing in the spring, regular watering in the summer, loosening the soil, and pest control. Winter shelter should be taken care of in autumn.

Water Regularity

Water the bushes regularly, at least once a week, in extreme heat, increase the amount of soil irrigation. One adult plant will need up to 15 liters of water. Be sure to make sure that the liquid is infused in the sun.

Feeding

For fertilizing plants, use high-grade mineral compounds. It is recommended to buy fertilizer in specialized stores. Organics are applied only in spring - compost or humus is mixed with the top layer of soil.

Cutting

Pruning in autumn, remove dry, damaged lashes. The process is recommended to be done shortly before winter shelter. In the spring, be sure to check the condition of the lashes, if necessary, remove frozen or broken vines.

Tie to posts

It is recommended to start tying Malbec grapes to the supports immediately after planting, this will form a beautiful bush. You need to take into account the growth rate of the plant, during the season you will have to repeat the process several times.

Processing

Prophylactic treatments should be carried out at least three times per season. Timely irrigation of leaves with chemicals will prevent the occupation of grapes by pests and the spread of infectious diseases.

Do I need to cover for the winter

Winter shelter is a must, even in warmer regions it's best not to risk plants. Use spruce branches, straw mats, special textiles.

Ripation and harvest period

It takes about 5 months from bud break to the first wave of fruit ripening. Harvesting will take place in early September, although berries ripen a little earlier in warmer regions.

Use of berries in winemaking

For winemaking, Malbec is usually used in France, but Argentina is not inferior to the amount of hop products. Usually, dense tannin wines are made on the basis of the variety, but in France, winemakers have learned to add fragrant fruits to sparkling drinks. Blends with the addition of Malbec juice are especially popular among gourmets around the world.

Interestingly, the most expensive are wines grown at an altitude of more than a kilometer above world level.

Malbec grapes are an excellent solution if you want to grow a crop for industrial purposes. Juicy fruits rich in useful substances, good yield, low maintenance requirements are the positive qualities of the variety, which have long been noted by winemakers.

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