Maxi Black Grapes: Characteristics and Description of the Variety, Features, Planting, and Care

Just a couple of decades ago, it was impossible to grow technical grape varieties in the conditions of the central zone or further north It was a challenging task, feasible only for seasoned winegrowers. Since then, breeders have developed numerous varieties and hybrids that can grow in various climates. One such variety is "Maxi Black."

General description of the variety

"Maxi Black" is an elite grape variety developed at the Potapenko Institute. The breeders' goal was to create a hybrid resistant to most diseases and undemanding in terms of growing conditions and care. Variety testing showed that "Maxi Black" meets all the stated requirements. Based on its combined fruit characteristics, the variety is classified as a technical grape and belongs to the wine group.

Brief description of the plant

The following characteristics are characteristic of the Maxi Black variety of plants:

• the tree is formed into a vigorous growth;
• active shoot formation;
• The leaves are large and funnel-shaped. The color of young leaves is green with copper spots characteristic of the variety. The surface of the leaf blades is smooth, almost glossy;
• vegetation period 130-140 days;
• flowers are male and female, which is the key to good pollination;
• the clusters are dense, medium-sized (300-450 g);
• plants are genetically frost-resistant (up to -27 degrees);
• Grapes are able to adapt to environmental conditions.

A variety with these characteristics is very common in the northern part of the country and the Urals. Winegrowers in the central part of the country also leave positive reviews of this subspecies. In regions with warm and long summers, "Maxi" is rarely cultivated due to the wide variety of regional varieties.

Fruit characteristics. Application

The variety's name perfectly reflects the characteristics of the berries. The inky, almost black fruits are quite large. The oval-shaped berries reach 3 cm in length. The flavor is simple but harmonious. Sugar content is 21-22%, with acidity of 6-8 g/l. The pulp is rich in juice and crisp. The skin is dense, with a waxy coating.

This variety belongs to the wine group, but the berries are widely used in a variety of fields. The berries are eaten fresh and used to make juices and premium wines. Tasters rate the taste of young red table wine made from "Maxi Black" at 7.6 points.

Productivity

The bush produces its first "signal" in its second year. "Maxi Black" begins to produce a full harvest at three years of age. The variety's yield is considered above average, reaching 17-20 kg per plant.

Advantages and disadvantages

The variety has earned the title of “elite” thanks to its undeniable advantages:

• begins to bear fruit early;
• good yield for a technical variety;
• frost-resistant;
• endowed with excellent immunity to diseases and pests;
• resistant to climatic conditions;
• does not require pollination;
• easy to propagate;
• unpretentiousness in cultivation;
• harmonious taste;
• presentation;
• large-fruited;
• versatility of application;
• good transportability and ability to be stored for 30-40 days after harvest.

The only drawback is the long ripening period. However, this is typical of all table and wine grape varieties.

Features of agricultural technology of the variety

"Maxi Black" is a variety with an easy-to-grow nature. Even a novice winegrower can plant and care for it. Like any variety, this grape requires special care.

Landing

Planting times depend on the cultivation region and planting material:

• April 15 - May 15 – one-year-old woody seedlings;
• May 25–June 30 – vegetative, green.

Fall planting takes place in September or October, depending on the climate. The key is to complete planting one month before the onset of frost.

Grapes aren't picky about soil composition. The exceptions are salt marshes and areas with high groundwater levels. In such areas, the tree will become diseased and eventually die. Ideal soil for grapes is one with the following characteristics:

• neutral in acidity;
• sandy loam or loamy in composition;
• loose and moisture-absorbing in structure;
• fertile.

The algorithm for direct planting of seedlings is similar to the procedure for planting any variety and has some peculiarities depending on the time of work.

Care instructions

'Maxi Black' doesn't require much attention. Resistant to low temperatures, it frees gardeners from the need to provide winter shelter. Resistant to diseases and pests, it allows for organic harvesting without the use of chemicals. Easy care consists of shaping the bush, watering, and fertilizing as needed.

Watering

The first year of grape cultivation in an irrigated area is carried out according to a special scheme:

• first month – once a week;
• third month – once every two weeks;
• then – as the soil dries out within the planting pit.

This type of watering will ensure better survival of young trees.

Starting from the second year of planting, experienced winegrowers recommend watering the grapes during periods when the plant requires the most moisture:

• when the buds open;
• at the end of the flowering period;
• during the ripening of berries.

The frequency of vineyard irrigation should always be adjusted taking into account specific weather conditions.

Bush formation. Pruning

This variety is recommended for training with a double- or single-arm cordon. Since the plants are frost-resistant, the cordon doesn't necessarily need to be horizontal. The goal of the first year is to grow one or two strong shoots, the future "shoulders." To achieve this, remove side shoots during the summer, and at the end of the summer, remove the growing point.

In the second year, branches should be grown on the existing "reliable shoulders," with no more than eight branches. The distance between branches should preferably be at least 40 cm. The optimal number of fruiting shoots per bush is 16-18, no more. Fruiting clusters should be pruned short, to 3-4 buds.

Harvesting and storage

This variety is characterized by uniform ripening of berries within a single cluster, so harvesting is most conveniently accomplished by cutting off entire clusters. Pruning shears or a sharp knife are ideal for this. There are some guidelines for harvesting and storing grapes:

• a clear day is chosen for harvesting;
• the best time is in the afternoon, when the dew has dried;
• When picking, you need to try to preserve the wax coating on the berries as much as possible;
• the bunches are sorted by size and placed in boxes or baskets with the stem facing up;
• It is important to shade the harvested grapes from the sun;
• the optimal microclimate for storing fruits is a temperature from 0 to +2 degrees, air humidity of 80 - 90%;
• the storage area must be dark;
• The bunches are stored hanging so that they do not touch each other.

Conclusion

"Maxi Black" is a worthy representative of the elite technical grape group. This grape will be an excellent addition to the collection of an experienced winegrower and a good starting option for beginners.

Reviews

Oksana Nikolaevna, Yaroslavl

We planted "Maxi Black" specifically for making homemade wine. Previously, we used a mixture of all the varieties, but we grow five different ones. We tried red wine made from "Maxi" at a friend's house. The flavor and richness of color were impressive. Our grape tree is already five years old. It bore its first fruit in its third year. Furthermore, this variety is, as they say, "carefree," requiring minimal maintenance.

Elena, Leningrad region

Sunlight is infrequent in our area, so we chose a variety that was easy to grow and resistant to fungal diseases. We settled on 'Maxi Black.' We were drawn to its combination of frost resistance and strong immunity. Despite the long growing season, the grapes ripen every year. We eat them fresh; our harvest lasts until the end of November.