Description and characteristics of the Aligote grape variety, pros and cons and growing rules
Aligote wine grape variety is native to France. The culture is famous for its ease of cultivation, disease resistance. The plant is rarely attacked by pests. All of these facts allow novice gardeners to grow grapes. This unpretentious variety is famous for its abundant harvest, which is used to make white table wine.
Aligote grapes
Aligote is a very popular variety. It is used for the preparation of noble wines, which occupy leading positions in various world winemaking ratings.
Description of the bush
The variety differs little in appearance from other grape crops. Bushes are strong, vigorous.
Vine
The vine has good maturation. Gives 80% growth. The type of vine is annual.
Bunches
The variety has a medium-sized bunch. On average, the width is 9 centimeters, the length is 13 centimeters. The shape is practically cylindrical and conical-cylindrical. The berries are placed very tightly and are deformed as a result of strong compression. The bunch weighs about 105 grams.
Berries
The berries are round in shape. The average fruit diameter is 14 millimeters. They are distinguished by tender, juicy pulp. The taste is a little rustic, but pleasant. The peel of the fruit is thin but firm. Inside contains 1-2 bones.
Pros and cons of the variety
The positive qualities of the variety include:
- high productivity;
- juiciness of fruits;
- excellent transportability of fruits;
- flowers are bisexual, so there is no need to plant pollinators nearby;
- differs in endurance.
Disadvantages:
- with early frosts, there is a high probability of kidney damage;
- the variety has poor resistance to diseases;
- the grape leafworm attacks often.
The ovaries are crumbling slightly.
Characteristic
The French variety is ideal for wine production. With proper care, it gives a bountiful harvest.
Yield
3 clusters can form on individual shoots. In favorable years, about 140 centners of a high quality crop are obtained from a hectare.
Ripening terms
In warm regions, technical maturity occurs in the second decade of September. In cold weather - at the end of September.
Frost resistance
The variety can withstand cold temperatures down to -23 ° С.
Landing in open ground
In order for the variety to grow and develop correctly, certain rules are followed:
- Provide correct lighting. The plant needs sunlight.
- They are planted in nutrient soil.
- Water correctly.
- Fertilize regularly.
Each of these points needs to be considered in more detail.
Soil preparation
Before planting, the plants dig a hole. Organic and mineral fertilizers are added to the resulting soil. The mixture is thoroughly mixed and the seedling is buried.
Sequence of steps for disembarkation
If you follow the correct sequence when planting, the plant will quickly take root and grow strong and healthy:
- Planted in a well-lit place that is protected from drafts.
- The hole is dug slightly larger than the size of the roots.
- The bottom is covered with gravel. Wooden planks are laid out on top.
- The roots of the plant are placed in a prepared mixture of clay and manure. Withstand half an hour.
- Placed in a hole and sprinkle with fertilized soil. The surface is tamped.
- Water thoroughly.
- Mulch with rotted manure or compost.
It is recommended to remove weeds in a timely manner, since the Aligote variety does not tolerate their neighborhood.
How to grow and how to care
The bushes are distinguished by their great vigor of growth, therefore, they require close attention and care. In the case of strong thickening, there is a high probability of the spread of fungal diseases.
Pruning vines
Pruning is done for 10 buds. An average of 50 eyes are left on the plant. Pruning is carried out in the fall, before being laid on the ground for winter shelter.
In the summer, they make sure that the stepsons and shoots do not thicken.
Irrigation and feeding
Watering is required in moderation, after the soil dries out. An adult plant over 4 years old needs to be irrigated only 4 times per season.
A drainage tube is used to feed the bush. Fertilize alternately with organic and inorganic fertilizers.
Disease and pest control
Against the appearance and spread of pests and diseases, the bush is treated with fungicides. Iron sulfate is best suited, since the drug is not toxic. It is enough to process it twice.
Harvest
The variety has a high yield. In unfavorable years, 91 centners of high quality fruits are harvested per hectare. In fruitful - 146 centners.
When to collect
Bunches are harvested when technical maturity is reached, which is characterized by yellow-green berries with dark dots. In warm regions, this period begins in mid-September. In cooler places - 2 weeks later.
Specialized equipment cannot be used for harvesting, otherwise there will be large losses of grape juice.
Beneficial features
Aligote fruits are characterized by a large number of positive qualities. Thanks to this, they are recommended for regular use. With the help of berries, they effectively fight against seasonal colds and infectious diseases, strengthen the immune system. The fruits increase hemoglobin and relieve puffiness. Therefore, it is recommended to use it during pregnancy. When ripe, grapes have a positive effect on the respiratory tract and lungs.
Also the fruits:
- recommended for asthmatics;
- have a beneficial effect on mental activity;
- increase physical activity;
- good antibacterial and antiviral agent;
- help to cope with diseases of the digestive system;
- excellent prevention of cardiovascular ailments.
Cooking use
Berries are great for making juices and compote. Due to its high taste, good jam is obtained. The fruits are used to decorate various dishes, added to salads.
Grape vinegar is prepared from Aligote grapes, which is intensively used in cooking.Thanks to their excellent combination with fruit, berries are added to a variety of dishes.
Winemaking
It is a typical wine variety with good sugar accumulation. The fruits are used for the production of wines by amateurs and on an industrial scale. The fruit produces a light dry wine with high acidity.
