Alvik grapes

In search of the ideal shape, taste and quality, breeders cross between different grape varieties. One of the novelties of the XXI century is the Alvika variety.

Alvika, a grape variety created by Ukrainian breeder Viktor Mikhailovich Kalugin. It is a cross between two hybrid varieties Talisman and Velika. It is considered one of the largest grape varieties. The variety is being tested by gardeners, so not everything is known about its qualities.

The bush is vigorous. The crown is white with strong pubescence, which is especially visible on young leaves. It also happens on the shoots. The leaves are round and cordate. They have 3 blades, sometimes 5, with serrated edges. The color of the leaves is bright green, saturated, with light veins on the surface.

There is a wrinkled mesh on the top of the leaf. Flat or wavy profile. On the side, the upper cuts are lyre-shaped, with a gap. The lower cuts are often open and pointed. The notch at the petiole is in the form of a lyre and has a pointed bottom. The petioles are green, sometimes they have a red tint.

The teeth are sawtooth, small, with protruding edges and sharp tips.

The variety is considered early. The growing season lasts from the beginning of bud ripening until harvest. It matures in a temperate climate on the 120-125th day. The temperature sum is 2400-2500 ° C. In Ukraine and southern Russia, it is ready to harvest from the end of August.

Bunches of conical shape or conical cylinder shape. Quite large. The approximate size of the bunch reaches from 700 to 1200 g. They have an average density, loose in places.

The berries are dark blue and very large in size. The shape of an elongated oval or ovoid. They grow up to 30 g, but generally their weight is 18-22 g. The berries are 41-43 mm long, about 25-27 mm in diameter. Berries are covered with a thick layer of purine bloom.

Due to the free distance between the berries, they do not wrinkle or deform during growth. The pulp is firm, crispy and juicy, with 2-3 seeds. The skin is of medium density, not thick.

The taste is harmonious, but devoid of a bright aroma. The sugar and acidity content is not yet fully determined, but most people rate this variety as sweet rather than sour.

According to reviews, the variety in terms of yield exceeds that of its parents. It is known that shoots located on the lower parts of the trunk are highly productive. But the same factor threatens with excessive productivity, and at the same time a deterioration in the quality of the berries themselves. Fruits may be immature or lose their flavor from lack of nutrients.

In this regard, gardeners are advised to monitor the culture, and not to allow excessive overweight and fruitfulness.

The variety is considered young; now it is being tested in many of its indicators. But, according to the reviews of the first owners, it can be concluded that the Alvika grape is a promising variety that requires special care.

The geography of distribution has not yet been reliably determined, but the manufacturer declared it to be resistant to the temperate climate of central Russia. Now, most of the tests are taking place in southern Russia and Ukraine.

When choosing a place for a future vineyard, it is necessary to be guided by the standard requirements typical for grapes. As for the Alvika variety, its cuttings take root well. However, the variety can grow without harm to the root system only in places that are not infected with phylloxera.

The flower type of the Alvika variety is bisexual, which excludes the obligatory planting of a number of other varieties.

The bush of the variety is vigorous, therefore it requires medium pruning (about 6-8 buds). When pruning, you should leave no more than one bunch per shoot. Ineffective and broken shoots are removed as the stem grows and breaks.

The variety is presented as frost-resistant, with a permissible winter temperature not lower than -23 ° C. In the recommendations for growing, however, there is such a point as the need for shelter for the winter. Many gardeners, having received a rare variety, strive to protect the culture, be sure to cover it in winter. Therefore, there is still no reliable data on wintering without shelter.

During the shelter for the winter, the vines are given a fan-type or inclined cordon-free form.

The most dangerous insects and diseases have not yet been fully studied. According to the experience of gardeners, Alvika shows an average resistance to diseases. The culture is processed 3-4 times a year.

Ripe berries can hang on the vine for a long time without losing their presentation. Due to the change in humidity and temperatures, the berries do not crack or burst. Such data is worth believing, since the skin of the fruit is strong.

Many gardeners, however, highlight poor transportability.Berries do not adhere well to the comb.

Experienced agronomists estimate - 4 out of 5. There are those with excellent results. They describe the berry as tasty, sweet and very large. The fruits did not crack, ripened perfectly on the branches. The bunches were a little loose, but this did not distort the impression.

Others noted not the best germination, most likely due to weather conditions. Not hot enough, too humid.

Several people noted that the bunch sheds too early. The berries have not yet reached the sugar, but are already falling from the branch due to the weight.

Some were confused by the large weighty bones. But, as a conclusion, these are only signal berries, more should be said later.