For lovers of nutmeg grapes, there is a variety of varieties that differ in taste and appearance. If you plan to create wine drinks, nutmeg grapes will be the best option for this purpose. Muscat became popular in ancient Greece: its fruits were grown in large quantities, and then first-class wines were produced. And even now this plant has not lost its former fame. 

General information about culture

Muscat varieties are represented by different hybrid grape subspecies. Most often, such grapes are grown in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Germany. However, this variety is also cultivated in other territories. For example, these plants got to the Crimea back in 1828. Crimean wines are known for their unique quality and delicate aroma. Muscat grapes are highly prized by wine professionals.

Muscat grapes

Characteristics and features of the variety 

There are many varieties of Muscat grapes. Among them, the most famous and common species can be distinguished, which differ in many respects from each other, but are still quite similar in description.

Frost resistance

White Muscat grapes

The vast majority of hybrid forms of Muscat grapes are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Also, many of them do not differ in increased resistance to various fungal diseases. For these reasons, it is quite difficult to grow them in garden and summer cottages. White Muscat, which is also called super-early, is extremely thermophilic, and is also susceptible to the invasion of various pests. While the variety Noble is resistant to cold and has a strong immunity.

On a note! The varieties with increased frost resistance include Khrustalny, Donskoy and Red.

The Letniy nutmeg variety tolerates low temperatures quite well and diseases such as mildew and powdery mildew. Pink grapes are also relatively hardy, take root well in the soil, but can be susceptible to fungal diseases. Black variety prefers to grow in warm climatic conditions, therefore it does not tolerate frosty weather very well. These grapes resist all popular diseases well, but are prone to leafworm.

Ripening terms

The early varieties are:

  • noble grapes,
  • Blau,
  • Dievsky,
  • Donskoy,
  • Summer.

And the following types can be attributed to medium grades:

  • White,
  • Hungarian,
  • Delight.

Summer ripens within 120 days, Pink and White - within 140 days. With all the necessary agrotechnical measures and timely processing, the plant will provide the owner with a stable harvest. All fruits tolerate transportation well.

Flowering period

Flowering period

Flowering is a small but most important period. As a rule, this time begins at the beginning of the summer season, and the first fruits can be obtained in September. First, small clusters with future berries are formed, at the base of which small flowers appear. The flowering period of cold-resistant varieties begins at a temperature of 16 degrees, while the rest bloom at an optimal air temperature of 25 degrees.

Plant parameters

All Muscat grape varieties are distinguished by a characteristic feature that is inherent in them due to the content of specific compounds in the skin of berries - this is the aroma of musk or nutmeg.The bunches are often of medium size and reach no more than 10 cm in length and 7 cm in width.

On a note! The fruits of Muscat grapes are always large, have a golden hue.

Each berry contains three seeds. One brush weighs about 700 g, has a cylindrical shape and medium density.

The pulp of the fruit is extremely juicy, fleshy and sweet. The sugar content of the berries does not exceed 20%, and the acid content is not more than 7 g / l. The Pink grape variety has a maroon color of berries, and there are also red, amber, yellowish, purple, white and greenish-yellowish hues. They are elongated, oval, ovoid, rounded and conical in shape. Most nutmeg varieties have bisexual flowering.

Grape parameters

Features of agricultural technology 

An essential condition for the cultivation of these grape varieties is proper care of the grape bush and constant attention. Muscat species cannot be called particularly capricious, but we must not forget about carrying out some agrotechnical measures.

Grapes in Altai for beginners

Experienced gardeners recommend using a drip irrigation system, as this prevents the accumulation of excess moisture. During active vegetation, mulching should be carried out, for which a peat-humus mixture is ideal - it will provide the plant with additional nutrition. Fixation of the vine is carried out using special trellises.

Attention! For productive cultivation of these varieties, loamy soil or black soil is suitable.

It is also extremely important to carry out annual pruning of frozen or underdeveloped shoots. This is necessary in order to regulate growth and fruiting, to create optimal conditions for a good supply of light and oxygen. Periodically, loosening of the soil should be carried out, and weeds should be removed. An equally important measure is the timely spraying of grapes, which protects it from dangerous fungal and other diseases. For these purposes, high-quality and effective fungicidal solutions will be required.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Grapes Straseni

True wine lovers agree that all wine drinks that were made from the berries of this particular grape have an exceptional rich and bright taste. Moscatel grapes are ideal for this purpose. And also the fruits of this plant can boast of a positive effect on the human body.

Attention! The berries contain a large amount of phytoncides, which have a beneficial effect on the intestinal lining.

Among other advantages for which Muscat grape varieties are so valued, one can note stable fruiting and excellent presentation. However, there are also negative aspects of growing these varieties. All hybrid forms of nutmeg are quite thermophilic and not resistant to low temperatures. Such plants must be covered before the onset of cold weather. Also, many grape varieties are highly susceptible to various diseases, which can lead to poor yields.