Athos Grapes: Characteristics and Description of the Variety, Planting and Care

Atos will definitely appeal to those who want to grow grapes that ripen in the shortest possible time, the bunches are ready Ready for harvesting as early as July. This hybrid has increased disease resistance and requires little maintenance. The Athos table grape has been named one of the most notable and best new grape varieties of the past decade. Explore the description and photos to see for yourself.

History of origin

The Athos grape variety was bred in Ukraine's Luhansk region by V.K. Bondarchuk. The variety was based on Talisman and Kodryanka. In the fall of 2009, Valeriy Konstantinovich submitted the hybrid seedlings for variety testing. In the spring, they were planted in an experimental field, and two years later, the vines yielded their first harvest.

During testing, the breeder's stated characteristics were confirmed, with a primary focus on early ripening and rich flavor. In 2012, Atos grape seedlings were put up for sale. Within just a couple of years, the hybrid had become widespread in southern Ukraine, Russia, and Crimea.

Description and characteristics

Athos is an extremely early grape variety, with berries ripening 95–105 days after the start of the growing season (from early July to mid-August). It is above average in winter hardiness; in snowy winters, the vine can withstand temperatures as low as 23 degrees Celsius. It is highly disease-resistant, and wasps rarely damage the berries.

Characteristics of the bush and fruits

The bush is tall, branched, and develops very quickly. The vine is vigorous, with a nearly 100% fruiting rate. The flowers are bisexual, and fruiting begins in the second, rarely third, year after planting. The leaves are rounded, medium-sized, slightly dissected, and pubescent on the underside. The bush has above-average foliage.

Clusters range from 700 grams to 1.5 kilograms, conical, and medium-density. Berries up to 15 grams in size are nipple- or finger-shaped, dark blue, and almost black when fully ripe, with a thick waxy coating. The flesh is very juicy, meaty, and crisp, with a sweet-tart flavor with hints of muscat and a light fruity aroma. The skin is dense but not tough, and is virtually unnoticeable when eaten.

Productivity and use

Athos grapes can be added to other varieties when making homemade wines or liqueurs to enhance their flavor. This hybrid is good for juices, compotes, jams, and fruit platters, but is most often grown for fresh consumption. The berries do not spoil or crumble during transportation and can be stored in cool conditions for up to two months.

Large vineyards yield up to 130 centners of berries per hectare per season. The yield of smaller farms or private orchards is difficult to estimate, as much depends on pruning methods and growing region. Based on numerous reviews from winegrowers across various countries and regions, it can be concluded that Atos is characterized by consistently high yields.

Advantages and disadvantages

Many new grape hybrids boast exceptionally positive characteristics, including Athos. However, this variety has one significant drawback: relatively poor frost resistance. Let's move on to the advantages:

• unpretentiousness and undemandingness;
• easy to propagate – cuttings take root well and develop quickly;
• high commercial characteristics of bunches and berries;
• good taste;
• shelf life and transportability;
• productivity;
• no tendency to pea;
• self-fertility;
• versatility in use.

Another significant advantage of this hybrid is that ripe berries don't burst, even in high humidity, and they don't fall off or wilt. Once fully ripe, the clusters can be left on the bush for up to 30 days without affecting the flavor; in fact, the berries will actually gain more sugar.

Features of cultivation

The Athos hybrid grape should be planted in an open, wind-free location with groundwater at least 2 meters deep. The bush can be placed on the south or southwest side of the plot. Planting is done in the spring, when the soil has warmed up well, or in the fall, 15-20 days before the first frost. Plant the bushes 1.5-2 meters apart, preparing the hole and soil for backfill in advance:

• the depth of the hole should be at least 70 cm;
• crushed stone or gravel (10 or 15 cm) is placed on the bottom;
• The manure is mixed with garden soil 1:1, half of the mixture is placed in a hole and left for 2–3 months to settle.

The day before planting, soak the seedling's roots in water, then shorten each root to 10 cm. Place the seedling at a depth of 50 cm, leaving two growth buds above the surface. Immediately after planting, pour 2 or 3 buckets of water under the bush. To retain moisture in the soil longer, mulch the area around the trunk with straw or sawdust, and remove weeds throughout the growing season. In regions with cold winters, Athos grapes are covered annually, and in the south, until the first fruiting.

Water the grapes during flowering, immediately after flowering, several times during berry ripening, and three weeks before harvest. At least 40 liters of water are applied to each plant. Additional watering may be required during drought. After watering, loosen the soil. The fertilizer applied at planting will last for the first three years. Fertilize the bushes in early spring, during the period of mass berry ripening, and before wintering. Chicken manure, manure, or compost can be used. Before and during the first days after flowering, spray the bushes with boric acid (one gram of the product per liter of water).

In years with wet, rainy summers, the best prevention of gray mold is thinning the leaves around the cluster. This procedure will ensure optimal ventilation of the bunch from all sides. Copper sulfate can help prevent the disease or cure the bushes:

• in the spring, when day and night temperatures do not fall below 5 degrees, the bushes are treated with a 0.5 or 1% aqueous solution, the consumption is 4 liters per square meter of plantings;
• after the leaves fall, the grapes are sprayed with a 1% solution;
• To treat wounds on stems, prepare a 3% solution of copper sulfate.

The Athos grape is very easy to grow, easily handled even by a beginner. With the right location and minimal care, this variety will reward you with abundant harvests of early, delicious, and beautiful berries. The numerous positive qualities described by the author are confirmed by reviews from gardeners around the world, confirming that Athos has rightfully earned the title of the best new variety.

Reviews

Maxim

I planted the Athos grapevine six years ago and harvested its first crop in the third year. This season, I allowed the vine to become overloaded with shoots and bunches, but surprisingly, it held up, with the bunches weighing at least 900 grams. I harvested 20 kilograms in total, with the main harvest in mid-July. I left a few bunches until September. The berries didn't fall off, but developed a slight raisin and became very sweet. They are highly disease-resistant, and in the Moscow region, I cover the vine every fall.

Alla

My Athos is two years old, and this season I've already seen my first grapes, mostly weighing 300 grams, with the largest bunch weighing just over 600 grams. The berries ripened in early July, and the taste and appearance are excellent, which is a huge plus for me, as I grow grapes for sale. There have been no diseases, no wasps or other pests, but I did have to protect the bush from birds. My dacha is in Stavropol, so there's no need for shelter.