French grape variety Chardonnay: description, properties, cultivation, care
The Chardonnay grape variety has been appreciated since the Middle Ages. According to one version, it was brought to Europe from Lebanon by crusader soldiers. Others believe that the culture was brought out by French monks. Modern gardeners claim that the variety was obtained by crossing Pyro Noir with Gue blanc. Initially, it was supposed to be grown only for processing, as a technical variety.
In the 21st century, the most sought-after strain originated from Burgundy, the birthplace of famous wines. What is this unique culture? Why are its properties attractive? How to grow and care for a plant? Find out what the experts are saying.
Chardonnay grape variety: detailed description
Although the shoots are able to withstand frosts up to 20 ° C, in temperate latitudes they need shelter.
The surface of grape leaf blades has many rough wrinkles. The edges of the five rounded lobes are framed with triangular denticles. Young foliage is colored light green with a silvery tint. The plates of the old vine take on a golden tone. And in the fall, the bush puts on a "veil" of lemon yellow.
The length of a ripe bunch is only 9-11 cm. The width is up to 10 cm. It weighs about 130 g. It resembles a conical cylinder in shape. The density of the berries is medium. The maximum fruit diameter is 16 mm, the weight is not more than 4 g. Round berries are green-white and covered with a thin layer of wax. A golden tone is visible from the sun. The skin of the berries is very firm. There are several seeds inside, floating freely in the juice.
A detailed description of the Chardonnay grape variety will be incomplete without mentioning its amazing smell. The berries exude a pleasant aroma reminiscent of orange, lemon, pineapple, melon and walnut mixed with spring flowers. The sweet taste of the fruit with citrus notes is also felt in the famous hop drink. On the territory of the southern regions, the berries ripen in late summer or early autumn. Ripe fruits fall to the ground.
Only 40% of the shoots produce an annual harvest. A maximum of 3 bunches will grow on them.
Features and useful properties of fruits
Although Chardonnay is a technical variety, it has a unique treasure trove of beneficial ingredients:
- proteins;
- carbohydrates;
- fats;
- vitamins (A, C and K);
- iron;
- potassium;
- phenolic compounds;
- melatonin;
- glycolic acid.
Due to this composition, the consumption of berries and intoxicating drink leads to the well-coordinated work of the heart, lymph, gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. Chardonnay grapes thin the blood, stimulates the production of red blood cells.
Depending on the ripening conditions, the acidity level of the berries changes. General indicators: from 8.2 to 11.6 g / l. Overripe fruits acquire a slight sweetness, so they are not used for making wine.
The secret of planting French culture
For several centuries, grapes have been successfully growing in latitudes with a mild climate.It is planted in the garden in early spring (half of March) or in the middle of autumn (only in the southern regions). The competent cultivation of Chardonnay involves several agronomic activities. First, carefully prepare the soil.
Add if necessary:
- limestone (250 g is enough for 1 m²);
- compost (for 1 m² of land about 10-12 liters).
As a disinfectant, the earth is watered with a solution of Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate. 2 weeks before planting, a hole 80x80 is pulled out on the site. The main thing is that the root system of the vine fits comfortably in it. The minimum distance between the funnels is about 2.5 m. In autumn, a distance of 1.5 m is maintained.
At the bottom of the pit, a drainage layer of rubble and prepared soil (30 cm) is placed, which consists of the following components:
- black soil;
- manure;
- mineral fertilizers.
Then the hole is covered with garden soil. If there is a high level of groundwater at the summer cottage, drainage is done. Otherwise, the roots of the vine will rot. Next, the culture is placed in a pit and covered with earth. They are tamped with their feet. Sprinkle with plenty of water (about 3 buckets per bush).
After planting, the root collar of the plant should be on the surface of the bed.
Basic principles of care
The technical grape variety Chardonnay is an unpretentious plant. However, there are a number of simple rules, thanks to which gardeners get bountiful harvests.
Watering
Although the heat-loving Chardonnay variety does not like a lot of moisture, moderate watering is beneficial for successful development. In dry periods, the culture grows poorly and bears fruit. Therefore, adult bushes are moistened once every 14 days, and young vines - once a week.
For the procedure, use clean settled water, the temperature of which is equal to the environment. Cold liquid depresses the defenses of the plant, which leads to serious diseases. Watering the culture is not only at the root. Water is poured onto foliage and shoots. Depending on the size and age of the bushes, about 20 liters of liquid are used for watering. At the end of November, soil moisture is stopped, preparing the grapes for wintering.
So that there is always water at the summer cottage for watering the vineyard, it is advisable to install a volumetric container and replenish it regularly.
Pruning
The procedure is carried out for the purpose of sanitation or the formation of a bush. Dry and old branches are removed in early spring. After a careful examination, the shoots are cut, which reduce fruiting. In the summer, the crown is carefully thinned out. The procedure stimulates the ripening of the bunches.
When the growing season passes, carefully monitor the location of the fruit clusters. It is important that they are evenly spaced on the vine. Therefore, excess copies are carefully cut down or cut off.
Pruning in order to form a bush is carried out in the fall or spring. This takes into account the climatic conditions of the region and temperature drops. For example, in the south, they make bushes about 60 cm high. Lignified branches are left in the middle latitudes. Thanks to this, the ripening of the berries is accelerated.
There are several rules grape pruning Shardane varieties:
- maximum crop length - 1.2 m;
- green branches always hang freely;
- no more than 4 fruitful shoots are left on the culture.
In addition, the berry clusters should not be in the shaded area. Therefore, excess sheet plates must be cut off with a secateurs. No more than 12 live buds are always left on the vine.
Mulching
To provide the vines with comfortable growing conditions, the soil is protected from drying out. To do this, use:
- sawdust;
- dry grass;
- coconut bark;
- chopped straw.
The mulching procedure is carried out in early spring after the snow melts or 10 days after planting. Components cover the root area of the bush.
Mulch can be replaced with a special fiber made from polymer elements.
Adhering to the simple rules of growing Chardonnay grapes, you can get a quality product. It will make a delicious white wine, which is highly appreciated by true gourmets all over the world.