Marquette grapes are a new technical grape variety that has appeared quite recently. But, despite this, he has already managed to win the love of winemakers.
At first, this variety gained its popularity in North America, and after some time it became popular in European countries. Let's consider a detailed description of the variety.
Marquette grapes photo
Marquette grapes: characteristics and description of the variety
Wine grape varieties have long been grown by winemakers all over the world; they are no less popular than table grapes. One of the wonderful varieties of “Marquette”, it is quite old, but it has been cultivated in Russia not so long ago, so many do not know about its existence.
History of variety selection
Marquette grapes belong to technical interspecific hybrids. Scientists from Minnesota have developed a variety that is amazing in its characteristics. This happened in 1989, the plant was patented in 2006. Breeders crossed the varieties Rava 262 and MS 1094, which led to the creation of new grapes with stable immunity to low temperatures and crop diseases. In addition, wines made from the Marquette variety are distinguished by excellent taste, color, and quality. The grape was assigned the code MN 1211.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of the variety include:
- taste qualities that satisfy the requirements of many gourmets;
- ability to withstand air temperature drops to -35-38 degrees;
- resistance to fungal diseases;
- undemanding to growing conditions;
- average ripening times, which allows you to grow vines even in the northern regions;
- yield - 100-150 centners per hectare.
There are few disadvantages, but they exist:
- grapes need to be covered for the winter;
- young vines often die during spring frosts; in the first 3 years they require special care and hardening (shoots die when the temperature drops to -3 degrees).
Important! The grapes themselves are not beautiful enough; many varieties produce better harvests, but Marquette grapes are easy to plant and withstand drought and frost well.
Origin
The Marquette grape variety has deep roots. Its last “parents” are Rava 262 and the complex hybrid MS 1094. The crops were crossed in 1989, and the seedlings were selected in 1994. The appearance of the new variety took place at the University of Minnesota, in the USA. At home, it was appreciated, and the wines obtained from it were successfully tasted. It has been cultivated in Russia for about 10 years and many winemakers are not yet familiar with this variety. It is worth noting that the Marquette grape variety has a lot of potential, and in due time this will be revealed. It is expected that it will push aside already proven varieties and will occupy a leading position among winemakers.
Maturation period and class
“Marquette” is a medium-early ripening grape variety; the growing season from the moment the buds open until the crop is ready for harvest lasts 125-130 days. Depending on the growing region, the fruits reach removable maturity in the second half of August or early September.
Productivity and fruiting
Fruit buds appear very early; the vertical position of the bush allows air access to them. Therefore, the yield depends on the safety of the vine in the spring. With proper agricultural technology, it is 10 kg per 1 sq. m of planting area.
Marquette grapes are medium ripening, the berries are ready for harvest in late August or early September, depending on the growing region and weather conditions.
Marquette berries do not bake in the sun; on the contrary, a large amount of light improves their taste. If the optimal harvest time has passed, this threatens a slight decrease in the quality characteristics of the fruit. In this case, the berries do not fall off.
Bush
The bushes are distinguished by fairly high growth vigor. Young shoots have closed crowns with weak pubescence.
The leaves are medium in size, round in shape, three- or five-lobed with weak dissection, serrated edges. The surface of the leaf blades is smooth, dark green, and the veins are light. The petiole recess is open, vaulted with a sharp bottom or lancet. The petioles are long, green at the base and anthocyanin closer to the leaf.
The flowers are bisexual, so no additional pollination is required.
A distinctive feature of the “Marketta” bushes is the vertical growth of shoots. Thanks to this, sunlight is distributed evenly across the bushes, and the vine practically does not need to be pruned or tied up.
Bunches
There are 2 clusters on one shoot (in rare cases there are 3). Size – medium. Shape – cylindrical or conical. Weight varies from 200 to 400 grams. Length – about 10 centimeters. The structure of the fruit is loose or moderately dense.
Berries
Color – rich blue. In some cases, the color can be almost black, with a blue tint. Sugar content – 260 g/dm³. Acidity level – 2.9 g/dm³. The berries are small and round in shape. Dimensions – 12-14 millimeters in diameter. Weight – about 1 gram. Even though the skin is thin, it is quite durable. There is a waxy coating. The pulp is colored light pink. There are several small seeds inside.
Scope of application
Marquette is an exclusively technical variety. The berries have a unique taste, but they are not consumed fresh - they are not large enough, and the clusters are not beautiful. Grapes are used to produce semi-sweet, fortified and dessert drinks.
The strength of wine made from this variety is at least 15%. To reduce it, during the wine production process, Marquette berries are mixed with grapes of other less sweet varieties.
Fruit value
One bunch of technical grapes can weigh 300-400 g. The berries are famous for their high sugar content and good acidity. To preserve these properties, it is important to harvest on time. But if the collection is a little overdue, it’s not a big deal. The level of indicators will decrease slightly. Marquette grapes contain the following indicators: acidity – 2.9%; sugar accumulation up to 30%. Less sweet grape varieties can coexist next to it.
Taste
The taste of this variety is described as soft, harmonious and sweet. Pronounced varietal characteristics. Due to their gastronomic qualities, the fruits are used to make wine.
Resistance to diseases and pests
According to reviews from winegrowers, breeders have taken care of the excellent immunity of Marquette grapes to crop diseases. The bushes are not affected by fungal infections. Blackleg, oidium or mildew avoid the variety. It is necessary to take preventive measures against phylloxera attacks. The variety tolerates chemicals well.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
The frost resistance of Marquette grapes is very high. The vine without shelter can withstand frost down to -38 °C. But in the spring, the gardener needs to be careful. After removing the cover, the vine does not have the same frost resistance, so it is easily subject to freezing even with slight frosts (-3 ° C).
Important! The younger the Marquette bush, the lower its ability to withstand spring temperature drops.
Most of all, it is necessary to protect the vine from moisture. The variety cannot withstand freezing rain in spring; it must be protected.
Marquette withstands the hot period of the year very well, without reducing its quality characteristics.
Pollination
During the flowering of Marquette grapes, bisexual flowers are formed, so the plant is a self-pollinating variety. Feature - good quality of pollination is achieved due to the lightness of the pollen, carried by a weak gust of wind. It follows from this that insects are not required to pollinate Marquette grapes; no artificial procedure is carried out.
Harvest and storage
20 days before the planned harvest, it is recommended to thin out the leaves and remove the lower leaf blades, which will improve aeration and provide the bunches with more light. In the northern regions, it is recommended to remove clusters of small berries and leave the 2 largest clusters on the shoot.
When collecting, you need to carefully cut off each brush with sharp tools and place it neatly in a container. Fruits must be stored at temperatures from +3 C to +10 C. Some gardeners practice hanging bunches in the cellar on a wire, but the brushes should not touch. Regardless of the chosen method of storing the crop, it is necessary to carry out periodic inspections and remove spoiled berries.
Methods of propagation of grapes
The most effective way is to purchase seedlings from a specialized nursery. The second option is propagation by cuttings (summer or winter). It is called self-rooted, since the seedling has its own root system and retains the properties of the mother vine. Cuttings are prepared during autumn pruning of Marquette grapes, soaked for a day, then pickled with copper sulfate, dried and stored. Planted in spring at the prescribed time. Twice during storage, planting material is inspected and unsuitable material is removed.
Aftercare for grapes
Good competent care guarantees not only a decent harvest, but also the absence of diseases on Marquette grape bushes. Gardeners need to pay attention to:
- Watering.
For the technical variety Marquette it should be regular and abundant. Water temperature is within 15-20 °C. It's good if it warms up naturally in the sun. Watering frequency: once a month. Important! During the flowering period of grapes, watering should be stopped. - Feeding. In the spring, Market grapes are fertilized with nitrogen mineral components or a manure solution. In summer, the plant needs phosphorus and potassium, especially during the formation of ovaries and ripening of the clusters. Additionally, compost is laid out under the bushes once every 2 years. It is important to remember that for Market grapes you need to take only liquid fertilizers.
- Loosening and weeding. The regularity of the procedure allows you to provide the roots with a residual amount of air.
- Covering bushes. If it is necessary to protect grapes from the cold for the winter only in regions with harsh winters, then in the spring they cover seedlings in any area. Non-woven material or film works well.
To form a Marquette grape bush, the gardener has to perform several actions:
- Remove the top roots. As soon as 3-4 shoots appear on the seedling, leave the strongest one, and remove the rest. Dig a hole around the shoot (20 cm deep), cut off the roots located near the trunk, and fill it up until green growth occurs.
- Trim the bushes. Pruning is necessary for grapes after 3 years, otherwise the bush grows greatly and thickens.
- Tie up grapes. In April, before fresh branches appear, shoots from last year are tied to trellises. Gartering of Marquette grapes in the Moscow region is done in June. The procedure can be repeated several times per season.
- Pinch out shoots. On fruit-bearing vines, shoots are shortened by cutting off the tops of them. At the same time, pinch the top of the vine. Barren shoots are not removed in order to preserve food reserves for the bush.
- Thin out the leaves. This operation improves aeration and illumination of the bunches. The lower leaves and those that shade the brushes are removed from the bushes.
- Rate the harvest. Cut out small berries, remove excess clusters, leaving no more than 2 pieces. on the vine.
There are several ways to save the harvest:
- Build sweet traps. The downside is that the sweet attracts many more insects than the bait destroys.
- Use nets for berries. The disadvantage of this method is the deterioration of the ventilation of the bunches and the quality of the fruit.
- Install a nylon bird net belt. Although this does not bother the wasps, they do not damage the grapes that have cracked.
The main activities in the autumn period are to prepare the vines for wintering. It is necessary to remove all leaves and unnecessary fruiting vines. Then unripe shoots and surface roots are removed. The next stage is watering and covering the grapes. Wooden shields, which are covered with waterproof material on top, are suitable for this purpose. Additionally, apply a layer of rags or spruce branches.
To obtain a rich and stable harvest, you need not only to plant the grapes correctly, but also to provide them with proper care. Since the fruits grow vertically, you should choose a suitable location on the site; it should be open to sunlight, but at the same time have some protection from adverse weather conditions. Many winemakers plant this variety near the fence, and the rays fall from the south. Planting in an elevated area will prevent the root system from getting wet and freezing.
In spring, it is important to protect the plants, so winemakers cover the trees with film. In mid-spring, it is recommended to treat grapes with fungicides to prevent foliage from phylloxera disease. Such measures will ensure better development of the tree and its health. Before the flowering stage, plants should be watered regularly; after flowering begins, soil moisture stops to prevent flower tassels from falling out. It is important to loosen the soil, mulch it and eliminate weeds in a timely manner to ensure better soil aeration.
The optimal structure of the plant facilitates the pruning process and shaping of the tree. During pruning, it is advisable to leave about forty eyes. Fallen leaves must be removed immediately to prevent the development of bacteria. In order for the harvest to be rich and tasty, you need to provide good feeding.
- Watering. For the technical variety Marquette it should be regular and abundant. Water temperature is within 15-20 °C. It's good if it warms up naturally in the sun. Watering frequency: once a month.
To guarantee a good harvest, care and disease prevention are important. The following recommendations will help achieve this goal:
- The description of the Marquette grape variety mentioned that on its vertical shoots the buds are open to sunlight, so choosing a suitable location is an important factor for planting the crop. Since grapes are demanding of light and heat, the site should be open, but at the same time protected from spring storms. For example, you can plant a row of grapes along the fence so that the light comes from the south side. And if you plant Marquette in high beds or on elevated slopes, this will protect the roots from getting wet and cold.
- In spring, it is necessary to take measures to protect the seedlings. In order to preserve the future harvest, farmers cover the grapes. Practice has shown that it is better to use non-woven covering material or regular film.
- Once a year, preferably in the spring, the plant should be treated with fungicides to protect the foliage from phylloxera. A chemical-resistant bush will be healthy. In addition, this procedure will allow him to grow and develop better.
- Watering is carried out regularly, until the grapes bloom. Then they should be stopped so as not to cause the flowering tassels to fall off.
- Timely loosening of the soil and cleaning of weeds will allow the root system to “breathe” better.
- The development of a new variety was aimed at making the winegrower's work easier. This is true. The structure of the Marquette grape bush allows for high-quality pruning and shaping of the plant. When performing these actions, 35-40 eyes are left.
Caring for Marquette grapes involves regular watering and removing weeds. It is especially important to provide the bushes with sufficient moisture during bud break and before the flowering period.
You should not water the grapes during flowering. This can cause some of the flowers to fall off, which will significantly worsen the yield.
During the growing process, do not forget about timely feeding. Fertilizers are applied for the first time at the moment of bud break. For this purpose, nitrogen-containing fertilizers of organic or mineral origin are used.
Personally, when growing grapes, I use a fermented mullein solution as a top dressing. It not only effectively eliminates nitrogen deficiency, but also helps loosen the soil. I prepare it as follows. Fresh manure is placed in a barrel or any other suitable container. It should take up approximately half of the total volume. After which the container is filled to the top with water.
After a few days, the fermentation process begins. In this case, on the surface of the solution you can see gas bubbles rising to the top. After a week, the mullein is usually ready. Before use, it is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. That is, for one part of mullein take 10 parts of water.
One of the important steps along the way is proper pruning. In this case, the total load on the Marquette variety bush should be from 35 to 40 buds. Also, in the spring, at the time of bud break, preventive treatment with fungicidal preparations is carried out. This will help prevent the spread of pathogenic fungi and other pathogens.
Growing Marquette grapes on your own plot is quite simple. This variety does not impose increased requirements on agricultural technology and has fairly high frost resistance.
Planting and growing Marquette grapes
Marquette grapes can be propagated in different ways - cuttings, seedlings, layering. This can be done both in spring and autumn, without fear of winter frosts. If cold weather is ahead, then young shoots must be gradually hardened off and not left open in the garden. This takes approximately 3 years.
Landing dates
Among winegrowers, it is practiced to plant grape vines in the soil in autumn or spring. But little depends on the time of planting, since the risk of death of a young shoot during spring frosts persists for the first 3 years.
The choice of planting date is not as important as timely organized shelter from rain, wind and late snow. In spring, seedlings begin to be planted at the end of May, and in the northern regions in June. The most favorable time for autumn planting is the end of September - October.
Choosing a suitable location
The Market variety needs enough heat and light. Only in this case can you count on a good harvest. Therefore, the planting site is chosen on the south side of the site.
The second parameter is the occurrence of groundwater. It is necessary to immediately lay drainage if they come closer to the soil surface than 2.5 m. Marquette prefers sandy loam or loam. This is soil with good drainage capacity, quite loose. If there is no such soil on the site, then it is necessary to take measures to structure it.
How to choose the right seedling
Marquette grapes are a patented variety; seedlings are purchased from specialized nurseries. When purchasing, pay attention to the presence of:
- 4 well-developed roots with a thickness of 2 mm at the base and a length of up to 25 cm;
- the appearance of the bush (you can ask the seller to break part of the vine to make sure that the juice flows through it);
- presence of developed kidneys.
The main thing is not to make a mistake and not to purchase a vine with growth that has not yet matured.
Planting in open ground
After preparing the planting material, the seedlings are planted in open soil. There is a special technology that increases the survival rate of the plant.
Step-by-step instruction:
- In the area for planting cuttings, dig a trench 1.2-1.5 m wide. The depth is 90-100 cm.
- Place broken brick, crushed stone or gravel at the bottom to create a drainage system. The layer should not exceed 20 cm.
- Next, add soil mixed with a small amount of sand (ratio 3:1).
- To facilitate the watering process, install a special system consisting of plastic pipes. Place them on 2 sides of the trench so that the upper part is above the ground.
- Plant seedlings at a distance of 1 m, covering them with soil and compacting them. Backfilling with soil is carried out up to 2 holes.
- Fill the bushes with plenty of settled water.
- Place mulch on top (straw, leaves, pine branches, sawdust, etc.). This will maintain the required level of humidity.
Landing Features
Marquette grapes are easily propagated using seedlings or cuttings. It can be planted in both spring and autumn. It is important to choose the right site for planting vines. The best place for the Marquette variety is the southern part of the garden with good light. An important factor influencing the choice of site is the depth of groundwater. Therefore, it is advisable to choose areas located in elevated areas. The soil should be loose, with good throughput. Otherwise, you need to dig it up with compost. Grapes grow well on loams or sandstones. The description of the variety recommends planting Marquette grapes using the trench method. The planting technology is simple:
- you need to dig a trench up to half a meter wide and up to 1 m deep;
- cover its bottom with a 20-centimeter layer of broken bricks;
- pour a mixture of fertile soil and sand on top;
- Place 4 half-meter plastic pipes on the sides of the trench for watering and fertilizing, so that their ends are above the ground;
- plant grape bushes, leaving a distance of 1 m between them;
- cover with soil up to the second eye of the seedling;
- water each grape bush generously;
- mulch the soil under plantings;
- to secure the vine, build a trellis along the trench with tensioned wire at a height of about 30 cm;
- stretch two more rows of wire strings every 40 cm.
4
Wine from the Marquette variety.
The wines from Marquette are excellent quality. They taste better and taste better than most other hybrids. There is a deep red color, aroma of black pepper, spices, cherry, blackberry, plum, tobacco, leather. Tannins are moderate.
The Marquette grape variety is also suitable for dessert and semi-sweet wines. Dry table wines, due to the high sugar content of the grapes, are highly alcoholic (14-15%), therefore it is recommended to mix them with less sugary varieties. Trial data from wine aging in oak barrels are encouraging. Aging adds body and structure to the wine, increasing complexity.
The Marquette grape variety is very promising, precisely because it combines high frost resistance (up to -38 degrees C) and fungal diseases with high quality wine. Wine experts say that with the development of the Marquette variety, a new era of hybrid grape varieties began,
Peculiarities. When vinifying the technical variety Marquette, it is recommended to carry out MLA (malolactic fermentation) to reduce the acidity in the wine.
The main advantages of the variety
The culture has excellent immunity to diseases, in particular fungal ones. Problems such as oidium, mildew and black leg practically do not “disturb” grapes. Phylloxera lesions were observed extremely rarely. The plant tolerates chemicals well.
The structure of the bush with vertical shoots makes the work of the winegrower easier.
Marquette grapes are considered a mid-season hybrid variety.
The variety is young, it is only 30 years old; it began to be grown in Russia a little over 10 years ago. It was developed by American breeders by gradually crossing 8 varieties.
Description of the bush
Marquette grapes ripen in late August-early September and are highly frost-resistant. These characteristics make it possible to grow it in different regions of Russia, including the northern ones. The vines can withstand frost down to -38°C; there is no need to cover them.
The variety is vulnerable to spring frosts and freezing rains. This is due to the fact that the buds on the vines open early. With the onset of spring, the bushes are covered with non-woven fiber, which protects the vines from death.
Description of fruits
According to the description, the Marquette grape variety is a technical one and produces an excellent garnet-colored wine. The brush is dense, cone-shaped. The grapes are small and dark blue. The berries are covered with a whitish coating, which allows the brushes to be preserved longer. The clusters grow sparsely, about 2 per vine.
Description of grapes:
- sugar content - up to 26%;
- acidity - 2.9% (although it is practically not noticeable in taste);
- yield - up to 100 c/ha;
- bunch weight is about 300-400 g.
Marquette is a technical grape variety that is resistant to sub-zero temperatures and most grape diseases. Ripening time is average. It has fairly high levels of sugar (26-30%) and acidity (2.9%).
Has the following characteristics:
- massive, cylindrical-conical brushes;
- bunch weight from 300 to 500 g;
- the clusters are quite dense, ranging in size from small to medium;
- the berries are not large in size, round in shape;
- the color of the berries is lilac, almost black with a bluish tinge;
The fruits of the Marquette grapes are quite sparsely located; they love to hide in the leaves. This variety is very similar to ordinary blue grapes, which are grown by summer residents on their plots, and with insufficient experience they can easily be confused. Since the grapes are technical, they are not very suitable for eating. For these purposes, it is better to use table grape varieties, and these berries perform well for winemaking purposes.
An important characteristic of Marquette grapes is that they are resistant to extreme winter changes. The uncovered variety survives at temperatures of –38C. It is profitable to grow it in areas where the weather brings “surprises”. The new variety opens up the possibility of its cultivation in the northern part of the country.
The culture has excellent immunity to diseases, in particular fungal ones. Problems such as oidium, mildew and black leg practically do not “disturb” grapes. Phylloxera lesions were observed extremely rarely. The plant tolerates chemicals well.
The structure of the bush with vertical shoots makes the work of the winegrower easier.
Marquette grapes are considered a mid-season hybrid variety.
Pest control and disease prevention
Grape bushes are affected by:
- gray mold;
- mildew;
- oidium.
To ensure the safety of the vines and harvest, winegrowers treat the plantings with fungicides. To protect plants from diseases, carefully select neighbors in the area, regularly remove weeds, and inspect grape leaves for disease. Healthy leaves have a beautiful light green color, the leaves of diseased plants are covered with spots, and a coating appears on the lower part of the plate.
Marquette grapes are one of the best technical varieties, making it possible to obtain strong drinks and characterized by high yields. Grapes can be stored for a long time, and their taste does not suffer from storage. The plant rarely gets sick, does not need special feeding, is resistant to frost and drought, you should only worry about it during spring frosts. If none are observed, then a large harvest is guaranteed.
Watering and fertilizing
Marquette grapes do not require too frequent watering, but it is especially necessary during bud break, before flowering, and after the leaves fall. Simultaneously with watering, you can fertilize Marquette grapes with phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers. It is important to regularly loosen the tree trunk circles, preventing the formation of a thick crust, especially after watering or rain.
When organizing fertilizing of the grapevine, you must remember that its roots can only absorb liquid fertilizer. Therefore, all complex fertilizers must be water-soluble. Nutrition for Marquette grapes is especially necessary during the periods of ovary formation and ripening. This process can be accelerated by treating the grape bushes with an infusion of ash or solutions of potassium-phosphorus salts.
Comparison with analogues
Next, let’s compare “Marquette” with the main varieties similar to it.
Sign | Variety | ||||
Marquette | Augusta | Taiga | Alievsky | Alpha | |
Ripening period | 125-130 days | 128-130 days | 90-100 days | 130-135 days | 110-145 days |
Frost resistance | Up to -38 °C | Up to -25 °C | Up to -32 °C | Up to -26-28 °C | Up to -35 °C |
Productivity | 90-100 c/ha | 100-110 c/ha | Up to 100 kg/bush | 130-140 c/ha | 150-180 c/ha |
Bunches | 200-400 g | 110-120 g | 120-140 g | 120-130 g | 150-250 g |
Taste | Sweet | Sweet and sour with a hint of nutmeg | Sweet and sour | Without features | Sour |
Color | Dark blue, almost black | Dark blue | From dark blue to black | Blue-black | Red-brown or purple |
Disease resistance | High | Average | High | Average | Average |
Shelf life | A few months | Few weeks | Up to 3 months on the bush | Few weeks | Up to 1 month |
Sugar content | 25-28% | 22-23% | 18-20% | 18-20% | 15-16% |
Acidity | 2.9 g/l | 7-9 g/l | 7-9 g/l | 7-8 g/l | 10-11 g/l |
Description of fruits
Black fruits are characterized by a regular round shape and dark color. The pulp has a unique taste.
Sweetness and acidity
Increased sweetness is a distinctive quality of the Marquette variety. The acid content is 2.9%, sugar - up to 30%. To preserve the taste properties, it is necessary to organize timely harvesting.
How much does a berry and bunch weigh on average?
The plant forms medium-sized clusters. The mass of a bunch can reach 300-400 g. Up to 100 centners of berries are harvested from 1 hectare.
Tips for winemakers
Many winegrowers practice making wine at home. Such people should pay attention to the advice of farmers who are closely involved in winemaking and have already received wine from Marquette grapes.
Experts in their field recommend obtaining alcoholic beverages with residual sugar. The wine comes out rich and not too cloying. There is information that the variety goes well with less sweet berries. You should know that the sweeter the grape variety, the stronger the resulting drink will be.
Also, aging wine in oak barrels creates good structure and the necessary concentration for the wine.
Experienced technologists advise not to destroy the seeds while pressing the berries. This will significantly affect the taste of the wine. It will contain an unpleasant bitterness.
Wine made from Marquette grapes leaves an aftertaste of cherries, currants and blackberries.
You can purchase seedlings only from licensed suppliers.
Origin
The Marquette grape variety has deep roots.
Its last “parents” are Rava 262 and the complex hybrid MS 1094. The crops were crossed in 1989, and the seedlings were selected in 1994. The appearance of the new variety took place at the University of Minnesota, in the USA. At home, it was appreciated, and the wines obtained from it were successfully tasted. The Marquette grape variety has deep roots. Its last “parents” are Rava 262 and the complex hybrid MS 1094. The crops were crossed in 1989, and the seedlings were selected in 1994. The appearance of the new variety took place at the University of Minnesota, in the USA. At home, it was appreciated, and the wines obtained from it were successfully tasted.
Photo
Check out photos and reviews about the “Marquette” variety.
Disadvantages of the variety
In contrast to its survival in harsh winter conditions, the grape bush is susceptible to spring death. For young shoots, frost minus 3 already poses a danger. In addition, grainy cold rain can cause damage.
Due to the shape of the bush, the grapes become more vulnerable. The vertical arrangement of the shoots leaves access to the fruit buds to be exposed to negative climatic conditions, while they appear too early.
Like most selection products, Marquette grapes have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the positives.
The second advantage of grapes is their immunity to most diseases. Scientists were able to create it in such a way that fungal diseases (gray rot, mildew, oidium) were not terrible. But still, sometimes it is recommended to treat shoots with fungicides to prevent infection with phylloxera, which occasionally affects grapes. The plant tolerates chemicals well, and treatment will protect the plant and improve its growth.
Another advantage of Marquette is the vertical growth of the vine, the shoots of which do not need to be pruned or tied up. The leaves let in a lot of sun, which is a significant benefit for the wine in the future. On a ripe branch, as a rule, there are two clusters weighing from 250 g. In productive years and with high-quality care, about 100 centners of berries can be collected from a small area.
The advantage of Marquette is that its shoots do not need to be trimmed or tied up
Negative factors of Marquette grapes include early bud break. The old vine can withstand 40-degree frost, but new shoots do not tolerate even the smallest sub-zero temperatures very well and may die as a result. The unsafe factor is not cold air or wind, but freezing rain.
As you can see, there are many more positive aspects. If in the spring you are not lazy and insulate the grapes, and also treat them with a fungicide once a year, then later you don’t have to worry about the harvest, the berries will definitely bring joy, and the wine from this variety will turn out to be exclusive.
Due to the shape of the bush, the grapes become more vulnerable. The vertical arrangement of the shoots leaves access to the fruit buds to be exposed to negative climatic conditions, while they appear too early.
Reviews
I like the “Marquette” variety, it is unpretentious in care, since I live in the south, even in the first years I did not cover the vineyard. Labor costs for pruning are minimal; I do it 2-3 times per season. For 7 years, my plants have never gotten sick or caused any trouble. I treat pests and diseases once a year in the spring, after the juices begin to flow. My husband makes wine; to be honest, I don’t know much about production. The wine turns out very tasty, fortified.
A “Marketta” seedling was brought to me by my nephew from abroad. I was worried that it wouldn’t take root, because the path was not close, but as it turned out, it was in vain. I carry out few procedures for caring for the variety, pruning, watering, and treatment for diseases. I apply fertilizers every 2-3 years, and water them annually only with a solution of wood ash. The wine turned out amazing, while Marquette was used to make dessert and fortified wine. Next year I want to make semi-sweet.
Sources
- https://vinograd-crimea.ru/sorta-vinograda/vinograd-market-opisanie-sorta-s-foto
- https://AgroGnom.ru/berries/grape/vinograd-markett.html
- https://OgorodGuru.com/yagody/vinograd-markett
- https://FB.ru/article/324490/vinograd-markett-opisanie-otzyivyi
- https://vinodelnya.com/sorta/po-naznacheniju/tehnicheskie/sort-markett/
- https://stroy-podskazka.ru/vinograd/sorta/markett/
- https://dsregion.org/sort-vinograda-markett/
- https://fermilon.ru/sad-i-ogorod/yagody/vinograd-markett.html
- https://ampel-nord.ru/vyrashhivanie-vinograda/vybor-sortov-vinograda/sort-vinograda-markett/
What you need to do to protect yourself from diseases and pests
Despite the resistance of grapes to diseases, preventive measures should not be neglected. Once a year, they are treated with fungicides to protect the shoots from fungal infections.
Removing top roots and extra shoots
After 3-4 shoots appear, you need to select the strongest one, and the rest must be removed. During the growing season it will stretch, and by autumn a powerful vine will form. Adult plants are inspected in the spring, and dry shoots are removed before buds open. In the last days of June, it is recommended to pinch the upper shoots, which will allow the brushes to receive more nutrition. They also prune the bushes, leaving 5 leaves after every second vine.
Trimming the top roots close to the soil surface will allow the plant to develop a stronger root system. The presence of such shoots will lead to the fact that in winter they will begin to freeze, which can negatively affect the health of the grapes and their “awakening” in the spring. To do this, dig a hole 20 cm deep and cut off the visible part of the shoot with a sharp pruner, trying to do this as close to the root as possible.