Grapevine (Vitis spp.) JUODUPĖ

Grapevine (Vitis spp.) 'Juodupė'

The earliest Lithuanian variety featuring extreme frost hardiness and a unique strawberry-blueberry aroma.

The 'Juodupė' variety is an absolute record-holder in ripening speed. As the earliest creation of breeder Antanas Gailiūnas, it provides a sweet harvest as early as the first half of August, when most other varieties are just starting to gain color. Thanks to its extraordinary disease resistance and frost tolerance down to -30 °C, it is an ideal choice for beginner gardeners and regions with very short summers. It offers delicious dark berries with a subtle fruity fragrance loved by both children and adults.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extremely early ripening: Sweet grapes available in early August (90 - 95 day cycle).
• High frost hardiness: Withstands temperatures from -28 to -30 °C (-18 to -22 °F); mature vines need no protection.
• Unique flavor: Pleasantly sweet with subtle notes of strawberries and blueberries.
• Outstanding health: Very high resistance to all major fungal diseases.
• Low maintenance, vigorous growth (suitable for pergolas), and self-fertile.

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: Lithuania. Breeder: Antanas Gailiūnas.

Variety Characteristics

Vine / Shrub

• Vigor and Habit: Very strong and vigorous growth. Wood ripening of one-year-old shoots is excellent.
• Pollination: Flowers are hermaphroditic, making the variety fully self-fertile.
• Garden Use: Due to its vitality, it quickly covers gazebos, fences, or pergolas.

Bunches and Berries

• Bunches: Small to medium-sized (90 - 200 g), cylindrical-conical in shape, and moderately dense.
• Berries: Medium-sized (approx. 3 - 3.5 g), round to slightly oval, dark blue to deep purple with a waxy coating.
• Taste and Texture: Meaty and juicy flesh with a slightly pulpy texture and thin skin. Features a delicate strawberry and blueberry aroma.
• Composition: Sugar content of 14 - 16% with very low acidity (only 3 - 4 g/l), resulting in a typical dessert profile.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Withstands freezes down to -30 °C (-22 °F). Tip: Winter protection is recommended for the first 3 years; older plants overwinter without issues.
• Diseases: Exhibits exceptional resistance to downy mildew, powdery mildew, and grey mold, making it perfect for organic chemical-free cultivation.
• Location: Prefers sunny spots (south-facing walls), protected from sharp northern winds.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pruning: A short pruning to 3 - 4 buds is recommended (or a medium cut of 6 - 8 buds).
• Pest Protection: Being extremely early and sweet, the berries are highly attractive to wasps and birds. Using protective nets or bunch bags is recommended.
• Moisture Management: Watch out for extreme fluctuations (long drought followed by heavy rain) during ripening, which can cause berry cracking.

Harvest and Use

• Harvest Time: Extremely early. Ripens in the first half of August.
• Use: Excellent as a table grape for fresh eating and juice production. Winemaking Tip: We recommend blending it with varieties higher in sugar and acid—Juodupė will add a unique fruity aroma to the final wine.