Grape variety Traminer: description and characteristics, cultivation and care

The name of the Traminer grape variety means a family of several varieties of berries of Austrian origin. This variety is common in Western Europe and is widely cultivated not only in this territory, but also in Russia. The proposed material discusses the varieties of grapes of this family and the features of its agricultural technology.

History of Breeding

This grape and its main variety - Gewürztraminer - was cultivated in the Middle Ages, on the territory of present-day Austria, on the Alpine slopes. Over time, the variety has spread to other countries.The current name Traminer was given relatively recently - in 1973, and is dedicated to the Italian province of the same name. It was originally cultivated by farmers from wild grapes that grew in this area.

Varieties

Traminer belongs to the Muscat variety of grapes. The family includes several diverse varieties, characterized by some differences.

Pink

Resistant to pests and diseases, productive variety with rounded berries and pink color. The berries are medium-sized, with a high content of juice. The main purpose is to make wine.

Black

This variety was bred quite recently - in 2007 in Greece. The berry is distinguished by a bluish-black tint, the brush is dense, medium in size.

White

Variation of the pink variety. It is characterized by a lighter (almost white) color of berries. It has a spicy taste and is widely used in winemaking.

External data

All listed varieties of the variety differ mainly only in the color and characteristics of the berries. Next - about the external data of the variety.

Bush

Not very strong growth, especially when it comes to industrial cultivation. Looks classic - medium height, densely covered with leaves and strewn with grape tassels.

Leaves and shoots

The leaves are wide, leathery, with rounded teeth, small in size. The color of the young foliage is green, with the course of the season it acquires a yellowish-red tint. Shoots - sprawling, tops have a whitish tint.

Fruits and yields

The size of the fruit is small.The color of the berries depends on the variety. The brush is dense, cone-shaped, after aging it weighs, on average, about ninety grams. Traminer is characterized by early maturation, the berries are stored on the vine for a long time, which allows for a complete harvest of the fruit. Yields are consistently high, with little fluctuation from year to year.

Growth region

Traminer prefers a warm climate and is grown in the southern part of Europe, on the territory of our country - in the Kuban, Crimea and other regions with a warm climate.

Timing and planting technology

Shoots are planted on flat areas and hillsides facing south and southwest. The place is chosen with free access to sunlight and should be sufficiently moist.

If a wintered seedling is used - planting is done in the middle of April, young shoots are planted later - in early June.

A small hole is first dug out, up to eighty centimeters deep and up to seventy centimeters in diameter. The roots are sprinkled with the upper, more fertile layer of soil, and the lower one is evenly dispersed over the site. If the soil is clayey, a little crushed stone with sand is poured into the pit before planting, with sandy soil - compost. The pit is filled up to half with the indicated composition, then fertilizers are applied, and the soil is filled up.

The seedling should be placed in such a way that the upper open bud is five to ten centimeters below the ground. The roots should be placed at a depth of at least forty centimeters, this will prevent damage from winter frosts.

Agricultural rules

Features of grape cultivation take into account several factors that determine how intensively the bush will develop. Traminer does not tolerate severe frosts, so for the winter the vine is dug in and covered with a film.At the beginning of the season, after opening, the vine is placed on a rigid stretch trellis between two installed posts.

Soil composition

Loamy soils of high fertility are suitable for grapes. It is necessary to pre-lime the soil, especially if the soil is highly acidic.

Irrigation

Ample irrigation should be provided at least once a week. Watering should be limited during the ripening period to avoid excess moisture.

Feeding

Regular top dressing will provide the necessary nutrients and should be done every month, except for the indicated period of berry ripening. Fertilizers are also laid when planting a bush, directly into the pit. Used: wood ash, potassium, nitrogen, humus, peat.

Processing

To protect bushes from pests, fungicides are used. Grapes are regularly inspected for pests. At the beginning of the season, the soil around the bush and the vine are to be treated with iron sulphate. Over time, regular treatments will counteract potential pests and diseases.

Formation of a fruitful vine

To ensure a stable yield, the bush must be properly formed. Initially, half of the available buds located in the upper part of the shoot are left for fruits, the brushes are removed from the lower branches - a vine is formed for the next year's harvest. They do this every season, gradually removing the lower branches and cutting off the weak ones, leaving strong shoots.

If the bush is not pruned for several years, you should not expect a large yield and large berries. The correct formation of the bush will provide the necessary quality of the berries and a stable harvest.

Pay attention! The newly planted bush is not subject to pruning, this operation is performed starting from the second season.

Methods of reproduction

The main methods of Traminer propagation are layering and cuttings. For the formation of a layer, the edge of a young vine is dug in in the middle of the season, for subsequent rooting and obtaining a separate process. This method allows you to get a stronger shoot, resistant to low temperatures.

The cuttings are cut from a young vine and stored until spring in the basement, treated with wax. They land in the ground when stable warm weather occurs in compliance with the above rules.

When to wait for the first fruiting

The first fruiting comes in the second season. But the bush will begin to give a stable yield from the fourth or fifth year of cultivation.

Ripening and harvesting dates

Berries ripen towards the end of summer-beginning of autumn. Brushes should not be removed prematurely, as the more mature berries have time to gain flavor and sweetness.

Where grapes are used

Traminer grapes are widely used in winemaking. It serves as a raw material for the preparation of fine elite white wines.

Growing Traminer on a personal plot, the gardener will get delicious juicy berries and will be able to independently prepare fragrant wine that is in no way inferior to that purchased in a store. This variety is resistant enough to grow in the Russian conditions of the southern regions and has a stable yield.