Grapevine (Vitis spp.) JADVIGA

Grapevine (Vitis spp.) 'Jadviga'

A frost-hardy Lithuanian variety with a captivating strawberry-honey aroma and high disease resistance.

The 'Jadviga' variety (bred by A. Gailiūnas) is a true gem for viticulturists in cooler and marginal regions. This Lithuanian unique variety stands out not only for its extreme frost resistance but primarily for its fascinating aromatics, combining notes of strawberries, pineapple, and forest honey. It is a low-maintenance and vital variety that, in addition to tasty grapes, offers large leathery leaves usable in gastronomy.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extreme frost resistance: Withstands temperatures from -28 to -30 °C (-18 to -22 °F); can overwinter without covering.
• Unique aroma: Intense and very pleasant strawberry-honey fragrance and flavor.
• High disease resistance: Thanks to its tough leaves, it resists downy and powdery mildew excellently.
• Very early ripening: Provides a harvest as early as mid-August.
• Universal use for fresh consumption, juices, and light aromatic wines.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: Lithuania. Breeder: Antanas Gailiūnas.
• Note: Named in honor of the breeder's wife. (Not to be confused with the old Polish variety 'Jadwiga', which is genetically different).

Variety Characteristics

Vine / Shrub

• Vigor and Leaves: Strong to very strong vigor. Produces a moderate number of lateral shoots. The leaves are leathery and very large, also suitable for culinary use (stuffed leaves).
• Wood Ripening: Excellent and very early (often starts maturing before the fruit), ripening almost 100%.
• Flowers: This variety has functionally female flowers (it does not produce its own pollen).

Bunches and Berries

• Bunches: Small to medium (120 - 250 g), cylindrical-conical, and often very dense.
• Berries: Medium-sized (approx. 2 - 3 g, diameter up to 22 mm), round in shape.
• Color and Taste: Color ranges from yellow-red to bright red, raspberry, or purple. The taste is sweet (approx. 17.5% sugar) with an intense strawberry-pineapple aroma that can be smelled even near the vine.
• Processing: Great for fresh eating, juices, and compotes. When blended with other varieties, it yields delicate wines with strawberry and grapefruit notes.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Exceptionally high frost resistance (-28 to -30 °C). It is one of the most reliable varieties for northern climates.
• Diseases: High resistance to downy and powdery mildew. Note: Due to very dense clusters, it may be susceptible to gray mold (Botrytis) in rainy years.
• Location: Performs best in sunny spots protected from north and east winds.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Since it has only female flowers, it requires planting alongside another self-fertile variety (pollinator); otherwise, it will not bear fruit. It pollinates very well in mixed plantings.
• Pruning: A moderate load is recommended (20 - 30 buds per vine) with fruiting canes pruned to 6 - 8 buds. Suitable for pergolas and living fences.

Harvest and Ripening

• Harvest Time: Very early to early variety (105 - 115 days). In warm areas, it ripens from mid-August; in cooler regions, in the first half of September.