Features of growing Rochefort grapes: tips for novice winegrowers

The history of the origin of Rochefort grapes

Not all breeding luck belongs to breeder scientists. The work of amateurs also yields remarkable results. Thus, a new but already popular variety Rochefort was bred by a former miner E.G. Pavlovsky in 2002. Thanks to Pavlovsky's hybridization tests, more than 50 grape varieties were tested, various methods and variants of grafting were studied.

Rochefort is one of the most successful experiments of this amateur breeder. The Cardinal and Talisman, known to many, became the basis of the variety. In order to get the result, the breeder needed to pollinate the color of the Talisman with Cardinal's pollen. As a result, a standard large-fruited grape appeared with a wonderful taste and advantageously distinguished from the "parents" by resistance to common diseases.

Video "The proven method of planting grapes"

In this video, an expert will talk about one of the proven methods of planting grapes.

Description and characteristics of the variety

Not only large bunches of grapes attract the eye, but also magnificent bushes.

Bushes and vines

Rochefort takes root well in new soil and is characterized by a high degree of adaptation. The bushes of the hybrid are vigorous, with a long (about 0.5 m) vine. The vine ripens almost along its entire length and is characterized by rapid growth. Densely leafy shoots, with large, slightly pubescent leaves of a classic form, bright green color.

The color appears on the bush quite late, therefore, spring return frosts do not threaten the plant. The flowers are bisexual, so pollinators are not required for the variety.

Bunches and berries

The bunches of Rochefort are large, cone-shaped. The cuttings are short, but strong, so the berries do not crumble either during picking or during transportation. The average weight of a bunch is 1.5 kg, but with proper care and optimal weather conditions, it can double.

Each vine can have up to 20 bunches. However, the shoot cannot withstand such a weight, so it is imperative to ration the harvest.

The berries are large, with a diameter of about 2.6 cm, the average weight is 7 g, some specimens can reach 12 g. The shape is round, the color depends on the stage of ripening - from deep red to dark purple, almost black.

The skin of the fruit is dense, but when eaten fresh, it is practically not felt. The pulp with a delicate fleshy structure, quite juicy and crunchy.

Resistant to weather changes

Rochefort belongs to frost-resistant varieties, perfectly tolerates frosts up to 22 ° C. However, in regions with harsh wet winters, you should definitely take care of sheltering the bush for the winter.The plant does not tolerate drafts and strong gusts of wind. Also does not like the hybrid of excessive waterlogging. Therefore, in regions where there is a large amount of rainfall, you should definitely take care of drainage.

Ripening and fruiting dates

Despite the late flowering period, which occurs at the beginning of summer, the harvest ripens in the first decade of August. The first small clusters appear on the bush already 2-3 years after planting.

Yield

Although the grapes have large bunches, the average yield is from 4 to 6 kg, but in greenhouse conditions and southern regions, the indicator can be doubled. But the bush bears fruit regularly, and it also gives a stable harvest.

Taste and use of fruits

Rochefort berries have a wonderful harmonious taste. The average sugar content and the low percentage of acids balance each other perfectly. The fruit has a delicate aroma of nutmeg.

The commercial and taste characteristics of the fruit allow it to be equally successfully used for fresh consumption, as well as for the preparation of juices and dessert wines.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

According to the reviews of experienced gardeners, we can conclude that the grapes have some disadvantages, including: a possible tendency to pea, a frequent discrepancy between the color of the berries and their ripeness (the black color of the skin is not yet a sign of full maturity). Also, the degree of resistance to common diseases and pests of grapes has not been fully studied.

But Rochefort has more advantages and they are more significant:

• late flowering, but at the same time early ripening of berries;
• high degree of resistance to frost and cold;
• good immunity to fungal infections and rot;
• high commercial and taste qualities of berries: good transportability, lack of tendency to shedding, excellent appearance, reference taste and pleasant aroma.

Basic planting methods

Rochefort is a thermophilic variety, therefore it is recommended to plant it on the sunny side. The best option is the south side of the house or hedge. You should also take into account the direction of the wind, since the plant does not tolerate gusts of cold wind and drafts. Another advantage of the variety is the ability to reproduce by two methods: its own seedlings and grafting.

Planting your own seedlings

The pit needs to be prepared several weeks before planting. To do this, a layer of fruitful soil is laid out on the bottom, then organic fertilizers, followed by a layer of soil again. The depth of the hole should be at least 80 cm. The diameter should correspond to the size of the root system - so that the roots fit freely in a straightened state.

A healthy seedling with a strong root system, without damage and dry places, is placed in a hole and covered with soil, lightly compacted. Then the vine is tied to a support, abundantly watered and mulch the near-stem zone.

Grafting cuttings to the stock

Vaccination is carried out in the following way:

1. The stock is cut to a hemp, about 10-15 cm in size. The cut surface must be well cleaned and dirt removed.
2. Split the stump in the center, but not completely, and install the cut stump in it.
3. Wrap the rootstock tightly with rope and tighten, then coat with clay.
4. The grafted cuttings are planted by analogy with their own seedlings.

General care instructions

Rochefort is able to maintain its shape after pruning for a long period. But in connection with the abundant formation of fertile buds, it is imperative to carry out normalizing pruning of the forming eyes. To accelerate growth, the vine is cut into 6-8 eyes.

Watering must be monitored, since the variety is moisture-loving, but does not like waterlogging.Therefore, in a drought, it must be watered regularly, but if there is a sufficient amount of natural precipitation, the procedure must be completely canceled.

Shelter for the winter is also an important step in care. In the southern regions, it is not necessary to cover the bush, but under the condition of a long cold and wet winter, the bush should be covered with a special covering material or straw with spruce branches.

To get a good harvest, the bush must be fed with organic and mineral fertilizers.

Diseases and pests of the variety

Rochefort has good immunity to fungal infections and rot. However, with improper care and high humidity, the bush can get sick with powdery mildew, which quickly spreads to the vine and color. The disease can be prevented with the help of preventive fungicide treatment.

Gardeners note that wasps practically do not attack grapes. But phylloxera does not just completely destroy the bush. The fact is that it is not recommended to plant other bushes at the site of the pest defeat for about 10 years. Prevention is carried out before planting by soaking the bush in the "Regent" solution. You can also plant parsley nearby to ward off the pest.

Gardeners reviews

For those who dream of growing grapes, but lives in regions with unfavorable weather conditions, Rochefort will be an excellent option. But you should definitely follow all the care recommendations exactly, otherwise you can simply ruin the bush.