The Garnacha grape variety has become widespread due to its universal use not only in the vineyard, but also in winemaking. The plant is strong and grows well in dry and windy areas. The harvest is used to produce high quality wines. When grown in regions with hot climates, the grapes produce high-alcohol wine. In Spain the variety is called Garnacha, and in France Grenache.
History of variety selection
The exact origin of the variety is unknown. Some scientists suggest that its homeland is Catalonia.The plant then spread to other areas of Spain and moved to the south of France.
At the same time, the residents of Sardinia believe that it was they who originated this variety, known in Italy as Grenacha. And in the 14th century, during the occupation of the island by the Aragonese, the plant was transported to Spain.
Description of Garnacha grapes
Grenache is a technical variety intended for the production of rosé and red wines.
Description of the variety:
- high-yielding;
- thermophilic, tolerates drought well;
- thrives well on dry soils;
- grows in windy places;
- with excess moisture, powdery mildew develops and aphids multiply;
- refers to late ripening varieties;
- vigorous.
The plant is cultivated in:
- France;
- Spain;
- northern Africa;
- southern Italy;
- California.
The most commonly grown grapes are red, which are used to make wine. The white variety Grenache Blanc is less common. It is intended for the production of table white wine and for fresh consumption.
Wines from Garnacha are endowed with fruity tones and the taste has a slight sourness.
What are the advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the variety:
- high-yielding;
- tolerates drought;
- unpretentiousness to soils;
- vine hardiness;
- takes root on dry soil;
- strong root system;
- suitable for wine production.
Flaws:
- does not like humidity; excess moisture causes diseases;
- does not tolerate frost well, withstands down to -18 degrees;
- low resistance to diseases.
The crop has a long growing season, so the berries often fall off in an unripe state. But for winemakers, this is a positive quality, since the remaining fruits absorb all the most valuable things, which significantly affects the taste of the wine.
Distinctive characteristics
Main varietal characteristics:
- medium-sized leaves with sharp teeth;
- vigorous bush;
- the skin of the fruit is dense and thick;
- berries are medium-sized with a pink-violet tint;
- average number of stepchildren;
- the vine is hardy and ripens well;
- the shape of the clusters is cone-shaped;
- a strong root system allows you to rarely water the plant;
- blooms early;
- berries have a high sugar content.
With a bountiful harvest, the quality of the fruit decreases significantly. With an average yield, grapes have the best taste properties.
Planting and ripening dates
For planting, choose the most illuminated place, since the crop requires a lot of sunlight. Planted:
- in the spring;
- during the autumn period.
For planting, the soil under the plant needs to be dry; a distance of one and a half meters is maintained between the vines.
The bush blooms early, but the growing season is long. Therefore, the ripening period is late.
Care instructions
The most important year for growth is the first. Proper care will help the crop to take root and, as a result, produce a good harvest. To do this, follow the recommendations:
- The planted plant will need support, which increases with the growth of the grapes.
- The land is constantly weeded and loosened.
- Rarely watered. Excessive watering harms the plant.
- Be sure to carry out autumn pruning. The procedure is carried out after the movement of juice in the plant has ended. Only the lower shoots are pruned, which gives the plant a fan shape.
- Check the leaves regularly. This procedure will help to notice the occurrence of diseases in time and take the necessary measures.
If you follow the recommendations, the crop will delight you with an abundant harvest of delicious fruits.
Reproduction methods
At home, an effective propagation method is cuttings. For this:
- In spring, cuttings are cut using a sharp blade. The procedure is carried out before flowering.
- The thickness of the cutting is 0.01 m, the length is 0.4 m. There should be 4 buds on the cutting.
- The workpiece is placed in warm water for a day.
- Cut into two parts, leaving two buds on each.
- An oblique cut is made in the lower part of the workpiece and planted in a pot.
- In the fall they are transplanted to a permanent place.
This method has a high survival rate and preserves varietal qualities.
Prevention of diseases and pests
The vine is protected from excess moisture on the surface and underground. Excessive watering leads to:
- appearance of powdery mildew:
- aphid reproduction.
For prevention, the plant is treated with fungicides.
