Marquette Grapes: Characteristics and Description of the Variety

Wine grape varieties have long been cultivated by winemakers around the world, and they are no less popular than table grapes. One of these remarkable varieties is "Marquette." It's quite old, but it hasn't been cultivated in Russia for very long, so many people don't know about it.

Characteristics of the variety

The Marquette grape variety originates in the United States and was developed through complex selection. Research on it was conducted at the University of Minnesota from 1989 to 1994. Thanks to its excellent qualities, the variety quickly gained popularity in Europe, and wines made from it were highly praised by wine tasters. The variety was patented in 2005, and seedlings are available only from nurseries.

Marquette is a technical company. grape varietiesMarquette is a mid-season grape, harvested in September. With proper agricultural practices, up to 100 centners of grapes can be harvested per hectare. The shoots grow vertically and require little pruning or staking. Each shoot typically produces 2-3 clusters, which are massive, cylindrical-conical, and weigh between 200 and 400 grams. Uninformed, Marquette can be confused with ordinary table grapes. The clusters are not densely arranged, often hidden behind large green foliage. The berries are small, round, and dark blue. The skin is covered with a waxy coating. The sugar content in the fruit ranges from 25 to 28%, and the acidity is 2.9%. Marquette grapes produce excellent red wine; malolactic fermentation is used to reduce the acidity.

The variety tolerates cold winters well, withstanding temperatures as low as -38 degrees Celsius. However, with the arrival of spring, after the buds open, the grapes react poorly to frost; even a drop in temperature to -2 degrees Celsius can be fatal to the plant. It also does not tolerate cold rains well, as experienced agronomists advise. in the spring cover the vineyard with non-woven material.

Diseases and prevention

Overall, the variety has excellent immunity. Fungal infections such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and blackleg are relatively rare. However, phylloxera may occasionally appear on the plants. For protection, fungicide treatments are recommended in the spring.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Despite Marquette's popularity in Europe, it has both strengths and weaknesses. It's best to learn about them before planting grapes. After all, with proper care crop losses can be minimized.

Advantages:

• excellent frost resistance;
• resistance to common fungal diseases;
• good yield performance;
• vertical growth of shoots, which allows you to spend a minimum of time on care;
• high survival rate of seedlings;

Flaws:

• a sharp cold snap in spring and cold rains can destroy the plant;
• young seedlings have a hard time withstanding bad weather conditions;
• Planting material can only be purchased from licensed suppliers;

Landing

To avoid problems in the future, choose a sunny location, preferably on the south side of the garden or vegetable patch. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal for the Marquette variety. Grapes will also grow and bear fruit in other soil types, but in these cases, it is recommended to place a drainage layer of small stones, expanded clay, or broken brick at the bottom of the planting hole. Pay particular attention to the location of the groundwater table; it should be at least 250 centimeters deep. Carefully select the seedlings; they should be free of any signs of disease or damage.

Caring for the variety

Young seedlings are slightly more difficult to care for than mature plants, as they are more susceptible to cold temperatures and adverse conditions. Water regularly as the soil dries. For this purpose, it's best to install pipes during planting to deliver water directly to the plant roots. It's essential to loosen the topsoil, and in the spring, fertilize the soil with liquid nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.

For the first few years, young vines need to be covered for the winter, as they are still vulnerable to cold. From the age of 3-4 years, winter cover is necessary. in the central part of the country Generally, it's not necessary. However, in northern regions, where winter temperatures drop below -38 degrees Celsius, some shelter won't hurt.

Mature plants require pruning to ensure air circulation and maximum light. In August, branches are pruned after the 15th leaf, which promotes grape cluster ripening. Leaves that shade the grape clusters should also be removed. Formative pruning is performed in the fall.

Reviews

Valeria

I like the Marquette variety; it's easy to care for, as I live in the south, I didn't even cover the vineyard in the first few years. Pruning is minimal; I do it two or three times a season. My plants haven't been sick or caused any problems in seven years. I treat them for pests and diseases once a year in the spring, after the sap begins to flow. My husband makes the wine; to be honest, I don't know much about it. The wine is very tasty and fortified.

Pavel Ivanovich

My nephew brought me a Marquette seedling from abroad. I was worried it wouldn't thrive, given the long journey, but it turned out I needn't have been. I only do a few maintenance procedures for the variety: pruning, watering, and treating for diseases. I fertilize it every two to three years, and water it annually with a wood ash solution only. The wine it produces is amazing; so far, I've made dessert and fortified wines from Marquette. Next year, I want to make a semi-sweet one.

Conclusion

Marquette has already earned consumer recognition. It can be grown both in the home garden and commercially. Maintenance is minimal. The variety boasts strong disease resistance and is rarely attacked by pests. The grape's appearance is unremarkable, which is not surprising, as it is cultivated exclusively for processing.