Burdak grapes: description of varieties, photos

Alexander Vasilievich Burdak is an amateur breeder from the Dnipropetrovsk region, the creator of numerous unique grape hybrids. His creations are sought after not only by private growers but also by commercial farmers who cultivate the crop for sale.

Peculiarities of A.V. Burdak's selection

The renowned breeder conducted over 300 crosses of intervarietal and hybrid forms. As a result, he developed a vast array of diverse grape varieties. All are characterized by an extraordinary ability to adapt to any climate, consistently producing high yields and high commercial quality. Furthermore, Burdak grapes are easy to care for, as they are undemanding in terms of temperature, fertilizing, and rootstock. They easily thrive in any soil or on a non-native vine.

A key advantage of Burdak's varieties is their absolute resistance to low temperatures. They easily survive temperatures as low as -23-25°C. This characteristic eliminates the need for winter shelter in the south of the country, as the grapes don't require it at all.

Popular varieties of Burdak

Each variety discovered by the self-taught breeder has its own name and quality standards. Collectively, they are commonly referred to as Burdak varieties. This extensive family includes grapes of a wide variety of shapes, colors, and ripening times. But they all share one thing in common: high disease resistance, frost resistance, and delicious berries, each with its own unique charm.

Bruno

This hybrid is a cross between 'Podarok Zaporozhye' and 'Burgundy Mantiya'. This variety ripens early (110-125 days), with the first grapes appearing in early July and fully ripe by the end of the month. The shoots are vigorous, growing 4-5 meters in just one year. 'Bruno' is a very productive variety. Each shoot produces 4-5 inflorescences. The cluster is cone-shaped, somewhat loose in structure, holding up to 50 berries. The cluster weighs 1-1.5 kilograms. The berries themselves are large, weighing up to 14 grams. They are oval in shape with a slightly pointed tip. The color is purple or glaucous. The flesh is dense, juicy, and high in sugar. The flavor is refreshing and harmonious.

It pollinates well in any climate. Remarkably, like many Burdak varieties, Bruno tolerates long-term temperature drops down to -23 degrees Celsius. If grown in the southern region, there is no need to cover the vines for the winter.

Cleopatra

This hybrid variety was created by crossing three easy-to-grow, frost-hardy grape varieties: Sofia, Viva-Aika, and Kishmish Luchisty. This grape ripens early and is characterized by exceptional tolerance to adverse climatic conditions and high disease resistance. Gardeners consider it one of the best varieties in its class.

The burgundy berries with yellowish sides are large, fleshy, and slightly elongated. The crisp skin is medium-thick. The pulp is juicy, but not watery, and sugary. The flavor is bright, refreshing, and fruity with a hint of raspberry. The berries weigh up to 20 grams. The grapes are gathered in voluminous cylindrical clusters weighing up to 800 grams. The grapes are noted for their high commercial quality. They have a long shelf life and do not spoil during transportation.

Cleopatra ripens 115 days after the start of the growing season. Flowering, primarily with female flowers, begins in early June. The grapes are fully ready for consumption by mid-August.

Thanks to its unpretentiousness and frost resistance (down to -23 degrees), Cleopatra will produce excellent harvests both in the south and in central Russia.

Dixon

A hybrid based on the Atlant and Angelica varieties. Bred in 2014, the berries are large, weighing up to 23 grams, and elongated. The color is yellow-pink. The flavor is optimally sweet, and the flesh is firm. The fruits exhibit good sugar accumulation even in challenging years. Dikson's flavor is traditional, unpretentious, yet harmonious, with a pleasant, fruity, and memorable aftertaste.

The shoots grow vigorously, reaching up to two to three meters in a year. Each shoot produces several large inflorescences, which form voluminous, loose clusters weighing up to 1,000 grams. They ripen 120-130 days after the start of the growing season (late August).

Dixon can be susceptible to various rots during rainy summers. The variety is easy to care for. However, this only applies to an already fruiting vineyard. In the first few years, young seedlings require constant attention. In mineral-poor soil, cuttings have difficulty rooting. Grafted vines perform somewhat better, producing 2-3 buds at once. A mature vineyard is quite capable of surviving the winter without cover, as it is resistant to low temperatures. Farmers note that Dixon grapes are easily grown for commercial use, as the bunches and fruits have high commercial qualities. They hang well on the vine and retain their flavor and appearance for a long time.

 

 

Lorano

One of the most sought-after hybrid blue grape varieties, Lorano is a practical, high-yielding, and reliable variety. The first two years after planting, the plant gains strength, producing numerous, weighty clusters of berries in the third summer. The vines ripen well. Fruiting occurs on the shoots from the very first buds, meaning Lorano can be grown with a short pruning. Each shoot produces 3-4 densely packed clusters of berries, averaging 700-800 grams, though larger specimens are also available. The berries are uniform in size, with dense, juicy, sugary flesh and a harmonious flavor. The average grape weight reaches 18 grams. The skin is thin and crunchy when bitten. After coloring, the berries can continue to accumulate sugar for another week. And when ripe, they hang on the vine for a long time without bursting or spoiling.

 

 

Gordey

A new, promising variety with a very early ripening period. The harvest ripens by early August, 95 days after the start of the growing season. Gordey is a tall, vigorous bush. Each shoot can support several dozen kilograms. Gordey fruits are nipple-shaped and green with a yellowish tint. The berries are quite large and firm, weighing an average of 18-20 grams. The clusters are robust and moderately loose, and in productive years can reach 2 kilograms. They do not pea, crumble, or burst. Even without additional care and feeding, the average cluster weight can reach one kilogram.

 

 

The hybrid tolerates cold well, but it's not the most frost-hardy of the Burdak varieties. Spring frosts can kill the first buds, so avoid opening the wood too early after winter. It's recommended to grow this variety in southern regions. Gordey has high resistance to diseases such as rot, powdery mildew, and mildew, and is rarely attacked by pests such as leaf rollers and phylloxera. It requires additional protection from wasps and birds.

This grape is in high demand due to its long-term storage and transportation capabilities, as well as the aesthetic appeal of its ripe bunches. The variety is versatile and is used to make juices, liqueurs, desserts, and semi-sweet wines.

Ferdinand

It differs from other hybrid varieties primarily in the size of its clusters—they are simply enormous. They can weigh up to one and a half kilograms. They contain uniformly shaped, round, dark-blue grapes, each weighing up to 18 grams. Together, they form a loose, conical cluster, which has an attractive presentation. The berries have a juicy, refreshing, sweet flavor with a hint of acidity. The skin is thick, yet perfectly edible.

Ferdinand is also popular for its early ripening period. The growing season lasts approximately 115 days. The grapes are ready for consumption as early as mid-August. The plant is characterized by vigorous and vigorous shoots, each of which produces several heavy bunches. Fruiting is uniform and consistently good, even in rainy summers.

Ferdinand, like many of Alexander Vasilyevich's varieties, is undemanding in terms of growing conditions and climate. It tolerates temperatures down to -24°C and is rarely affected by diseases or pests. This variety is intended for table grapes, meaning they can be eaten fresh and also used to make various beverages, including wine. Many farmers choose Ferdinand for their garden plots because of its abundant, consistent yields of delicious grapes, which also possess all the qualities needed for commercial cultivation.

Senator

The hybrid was developed several years ago using two varieties – Talisman and Arcadia. Currently, the variety is in the experimental cultivation stage, so it's too early to talk about its yield. Senator is known to be a mid-season hybrid. The berries are fully ripe by the end of summer. When ripe, they have an excellent marketable appearance and excellent flavor.

Senator's vines are vigorous. The crown is large and spreads rapidly. The branches grow 3-4 meters annually, producing abundant side shoots. This variety produces female flowers, but pollinates very well. The clusters are large, cone-shaped, sharply pointed at the tip, weighing over 1,000 grams. The berries are large, oval, reaching 30 x 35 millimeters in size, weighing 20-23 grams. All the berries are uniform in size, and there are no peas. The fruit color is matte white. Ripe grapes turn light yellow. The skin is thin but firm. The interior is fleshy, juicy, but not watery. The flavor is delicate with a subtle Muscat flavor.

In rainy summers, the Senator variety produces good fruit firmness and only a slight delay in ripening. The hybrid is resistant to winter frosts (tolerating temperatures down to -24 degrees Celsius).

 

 

Golitsyn

It combines characteristics of other Burdak varieties. For example, Golitsyn's bush structure and ripening time can be confused with Dikson, and its development characteristics with Vatican. While these varieties are indeed very similar, Golitsyn has its own distinctive features, making it a favorite among winegrowers in our country.

The berries are round and somewhat smaller than Dikson's, weighing barely 12-13 grams. When ripe, the grapes are a glossy yellow-green color. The interior is juicy, dense, fleshy, and seedless. The flavor is mediocre, typical of grapes, but refreshing with a pleasant wine aroma.

The clusters are also small but dense, weighing 600-650 grams. The average size of the clusters is more than compensated for by their abundance on the bush. The bush is tall and vigorous, with a well-developed root system. Numerous shoots grow 2-3 meters annually. Many of these later produce excellent fruit. Golitsyn ripens early. The harvest begins in mid-August.

Vatican

This variety is distinguished by its large, kilogram-sized clusters and beautiful burgundy berries. The yield is high.

The grapes are oblong in shape, weighing an average of 18-20 grams. The flesh is juicy and balanced. The flavor is harmonious, pure grape. In warm, sunny summers, a bunch can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms. The vines are strong and vigorous, easily supporting a 40-50 kilogram load. The harvest ripens simultaneously by mid-August. The growing season lasts 115 days.

Vatican doesn't require much attention. It thrives on rootstocks. Own-rooted seedlings begin to bear fruit in the second year. By the third year, the variety begins to demonstrate its high productivity. The plant tolerates spring frosts well, preserving all its buds.

Catalonia

This hybrid variety is a cross between the Talisman and Burgundy Mantiya varieties. It's ideal for small farms. It's undemanding in terms of growing conditions and soil fertility. Seedlings planted in the fall begin to bear fruit the following summer.

Catalonia grapes are small but quite heavy, weighing up to 18-19 grams. Their shape is oblong. The thick skin allows for a satisfying taste. The pulp is sweet and fleshy. The flavor is juicy and tart, like grapes. 30-40 berries, tightly packed together, form a hefty cluster weighing 600 to 1,000 grams. A single vine produces up to 5-6 such clusters. The vigorous bushes easily withstand the weight without bursting or deforming.

 

 

This hybrid is a super-early grape variety. Its growing season lasts approximately three months, allowing you to enjoy delicious fruits as early as late July or early August.

Catalonia isn't prone to frequent diseases or pests. Even wasps avoid this variety, as they can't pierce the berry's thick skin. However, the hybrid is susceptible to cold. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it on southern plantations or to provide reliable winter protection when growing it in central Russia.

Rajah

A hybrid variety with vigorous, robust bushes. It ripens early, and the harvest is ready for picking by the end of August. Ripe berries have a good appearance, with a beautiful red-purple skin. They weigh up to 20 grams. What makes this variety so appealing is its unusual shape. Plum-shaped constrictions run along the fruit, reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese grape varieties. The clusters are long, loose cylinders. Their average weight in a productive summer can reach one kilogram. However, the clusters are usually lighter, weighing 500-700 grams. The pulp is firm but not hard, with an optimal amount of water. The flavor is grape-like, without any acidity.

The Raja variety is ideal for sale due to its marketable bunches, free of peas and spoiled berries. These grapes retain their appearance and flavor for a long time, lasting 7-10 days. Furthermore, the fruit is easy to transport, as its dense skin can withstand significant stress without cracking. Raja tolerates temperatures down to -23°C (-23°F).

 

 

Dominic

One of Burdak's latest selections, this grape has an extremely early ripening period. The berries begin to color as early as mid-July, and are fully ready for consumption by the end of the month. The grapes are teardrop-shaped and slightly elongated. When ripe, the skin turns black. The berries are medium-sized, very firm even when ripe, and are difficult to remove from the stem. The flesh is firm, dense, and crunchy when bitten. The flavor is bright, similar to plum, with a slight tartness. Sugar content is 15-16 Brix.

Dominic deserves the attention of gardeners in absolutely every region of the country. It is extremely easy to grow and disease-resistant. The clusters have a luxurious marketable appearance. Thanks to the thick skin, the fruits are long-lasting, do not burst, and are resistant to wasp damage.

Natalia Rostova

A hybrid variety derived from the parent pairing of Atlant and Novy Poddar Zaporizhzhia. The grape vines are extremely vigorous, with shoots growing 5-7 meters per season, and the berries ripen completely. Diseases are not observed. Ripe berries can hang on the vine for a long time without falling off or wilting. The fruit has a pleasant, traditional grape flavor, without acidity, with a muscat flavor. Sugar content is 18.8 Brix. The interior is firm, moderately juicy, and crisp.

Natalia Rostova's flowers are bisexual. Flowering and pollination occur without problems, even in cool weather. Two to three inflorescences form on each shoot. The ovaries are uniform, without any pea-like appearance. The clusters are dense, containing approximately 30 medium-sized fruits, each weighing 15 grams. A cluster weighs 700 grams.

Natalia Rostova is an early-ripening grape variety. Ripe berries are greenish-yellow. They are harvested in mid-August.

Reviews

Marina

I'm well acquainted with the work of Alexander Burdak. Many of his hybrid varieties impress with both the flavor of their fruit and the large size of their fruit. The last one I planted to test was the Senator variety. This year, the vine has already taken root well and grown long shoots. It's growing vigorously, with only one cluster per branch so far, so I haven't had to thin it out. The fruit isn't fully ripe yet, but it shows promise. The acidity is gradually fading, giving way to sweetness. The flesh is firm and plump. Even though the vineyard is located on a site with a shallow water table, I haven't seen a single burst berry. I consider Senator one of Burdak's most successful selections.

 

Alexander

I've tried several different Burdak varieties. So far, I've liked Dixon and Nicole. Dixon has large, unusually shaped berries. The color is light pink. The clusters are large and heavy. The vineyard ripens rather late, but that may be because most of the grapes are in the shade, which may be why they take longer than usual to ripen. Nicole ripens well, and the ripe berries are sweet and fleshy. Lorano has performed well year after year in our cold, rainy summers. It pollinates well, and the clusters weigh 800-1000 grams. The berries are large and uniform.

 

Inga

Of all the varieties, I was most impressed by the Cleopatra hybrid. This is a relatively new selection, and there's little information about it. But I like to experiment, so I grafted it. The shoots have good growth vigor, and the bush adds a significant amount of vine per year. Ripening occurs by the end of August. I consider it an early grape. The ripening bunches are simply enormous, weighing up to 800 grams. The berries themselves are elongated, cylindrical, and all uniform in size. Ripe fruits are burgundy in color and weigh 18 grams. Another thing I like about this variety is its frost resistance. It can easily be grown even in Siberia, as it tolerates severe frosts well.

https://youtu.be/98Lp_eRnPx0

Conclusion

Every year, the folk breeder introduces new hybrid varieties to his fans. Among them are Nicole, Nelson, Zarina, and others. It's too early to talk about them, as their yield and tolerance to growing conditions have been little studied and are still in the experimental stage.