Solaris grape

Solaris grapes are one of the best representatives of universal varieties with excellent agrotechnical and organoleptic characteristics. The hybrid is known for its unpretentiousness, reliability and the ability to grow in cold climates.

The unique hybrid was bred by the German breeder Becker from the State Institute of Viticulture in Freiburg, Germany, in 1975. As the mother form - a combination of Muscat Ottonel and Severny, the paternal line is the local complex-resistant variety Merzling.

Solaris is zoned for European countries - Germany, Romania, Latvia, Hungary. It is successfully grown by gardeners in the temperate and northern regions of the Russian Federation. It bears excellent fruit in the Tver, Moscow, Rostov, Voronezh regions, but the Krasnodar Territory is considered an ideal climatic zone for it. After many years of variety trials, Solaris was approved for commercial cultivation in 2001.

Vigorous bushes grow shoots and green mass, reaching a height of 5 m in 2 years. The vine is covered with traditional green foliage. The grapes are distinguished by their special taste and strong fruity aftertaste. The variety has increased resistance to many diseases, good frost resistance and versatility of use.

The originators were able to prove Solaris's right to be considered a full-fledged representative of the noble species Vitis vinifera. This allowed the variety to acquire ample opportunities from cultivation in the European Union, where it is impossible to make wines from interspecific hybrids, to distribution in other countries.

The grapes are characterized by a pleasant delicate taste and high marketability. The main advantage of gardeners is the early maturity of the variety.

Solaris is classified as a very early variety - it takes 105-115 days to reach technical ripeness. Harvesting begins in early August.

Large cylindrical medium-sized bunches reach a size of 20-25 cm and more. The average weight of the hand is 300-400 g, but the observance of agricultural techniques and under favorable weather conditions, the bunches are able to increase the weight.

Medium-sized, rounded white berries with fragrant juicy pulp are covered with a thin dense skin, which is almost imperceptible when eating and gaining a sufficient level of tannins upon reaching physiological ripeness. The sugar content of the berry increases as it ripens - in September 220, in October 300 g / dm³. Acidity 8.1 g / dm³. As they ripen, the fruits acquire an amber hue.

The balance of acidity and sugar explains the harmonious pleasant taste - sweet, a bit like pineapple.

The variety belongs to the high-yielding variety - from 3 to 5 kg from 1 m² and more are harvested from the bush. On average, 80-105 centners per hectare of berries are harvested in industrial vineyards.

Due to the strength of health and frost resistance, Solaris is grown in the open field using standard agricultural techniques.

The variety prefers sunny areas, well protected from winds and drafts. In the northern regions, as well as in areas with little snow, but frosty winters, the trench method is used for planting. This technique perfectly protects the roots from freezing. In southern climates, grapes are grown on an open surface, sometimes raising the near-stem circle in the form of a mound.

For planting seedlings, pits 80x80x100 centimeters in size with a drainage layer are prepared in advance. The unpretentiousness of the plant allows it to be planted on any soils, with the exception of marshy and saline soils. Like all grape varieties, Solaris does not tolerate close proximity to groundwater and does not like waterlogging.

The soil enriched with mineral and organic fertilizers is poured into the pit with a mound and a seedling is placed on top. Its roots are pre-dipped in a mash made of mullein and clay, and then gently spread them over the entire surface of the soil. Top up with the remaining earth, making sure not to deepen the root collar. After planting, the trunk circle is spilled abundantly with warm water, after a couple of days, it is loosened and mulched.

For tall bushes, the placement scheme includes a distance between seedlings from 2 m, between rows - 3 m.

The plant blooms with bisexual flowers and does not need additional measures.

Sanitary and formative pruning is mandatory for grapes from 3 years of age.

The plant needs regular watering in moderation. The bushes are watered as needed - in the dry period, no more than 1 time per week, 20 liters of water under the bush, with standard rainfall 3-4 times a season.

Adult bushes cannot do without additional nutrition. It is necessary to introduce organic fertilizers by means of autumn digging and fertilizing with mineral complex compounds using watering or spraying.

The frost resistance of the plant does not relieve gardeners of temperate climatic zones from organizing plant protection for the winter. Adult plants with a stiff trunk do not need shelter.

Despite the resistance of Solaris to many diseases, preventive treatments with fungicides and insecticides are required.From attacks of birds, special inflexible nets are used to protect birds from injury, and the fruits from pecking. Wasps get rid of folk methods and destruction of nests.

The harvested crop retains its qualities in a well-ventilated room with a stable temperature of + 3.4 ° C for up to 3 months.

In their reviews, gardeners note the variety not only because of its taste and technical qualities, but also because of its decorativeness - beautiful amber berries and the shape of brushes hanging from tall shoots. Northerners appreciate it for its frost resistance, the ability to grow when other varieties do not survive.

Those who have already mastered this variety are satisfied with the high survival rate of seedlings, active growth, powerful and beautiful bushes, high stable yields of fragrant and sweet berries. Not all gardeners are engaged in wine making, but the variety is also suitable for fresh consumption, for preparations in the form of juices and compotes.