Grapevine (Vitis spp.) SKUJIŅA 675 (MOSKOVSKIJ USTOJČIVIJ)

Grapevine (Vitis spp.) 'Skujiņa 675' ('Moskovskij Ustojchivij')

An extremely frost-hardy and vigorous variety, ideal for pergolas and producing high-quality northern wine.

The 'Skujiņa 675' variety (also known by its Russian name Moskovskij Ustojchivij) is a literally indestructible vine bred specifically for harsh northern conditions. Thanks to its vigorous growth, it is the perfect plant for greening large pergolas. It offers extreme frost resistance and huge yields of high-sugar berries. It is one of the best varieties for producing a specific, amber-colored white wine in cooler regions.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extreme frost resistance: Withstands temperatures down to -30 °C (-22 °F); mature vines need no winter protection.
• Top-tier for winemaking: Very high sugar content (up to 23%) with optimal acidity (6 - 7 g/l).
• Unique aroma: Pleasant muscat flavor with exotic pineapple notes.
• Ideal for pergolas: Very strong growth, highly suitable for large training systems with heavy loads.
• Self-fertile, excellent wood ripening, and highly reliable yields.

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: Russia / Latvia. Breeder: Kaspars Skujiņš (bred at the Timiryazev Agricultural Academy in Moscow).
• Crossing: A highly complex interspecific hybrid combining the traits of four grapevine species: Vitis vinifera, Vitis amurensis, Vitis labrusca, and Vitis riparia.

Variety Characteristics

Vine / Shrub

• Vigor: Very strong and vigorous. The shoots ripen very well and quickly in the autumn.
• Fertility: The variety has an exceptionally high shoot fertility rate (up to 80%). There is an average of 2.4 bunches per fruiting shoot. It yields reliably under various pruning methods.
• Pollination: The flowers are hermaphroditic, making the variety self-fertile.

Bunches and Berries

• Bunches: Small to medium-sized (50 - 90 g, max. 120 g), loose, and cylindrical-conical in shape. A single shoot can bear 2 to 4 bunches.
• Berries and Color: Small, round, yellow-green. Tip: For visually more appealing, medium-sized berries, a slight reduction (thinning) of the crop load is recommended.
• Taste and Composition: The flesh is juicy. It delights with a very pleasant sweet taste (sugar content 22 - 23%) accompanied by a light pineapple-muscat aroma.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Extreme cold resistance. It withstands freezes down to -30 °C (-22 °F). No winter covering is required from the second year after planting.
• Heat: To fully develop its specific pineapple aroma, it requires a sunny location with an Active Temperature Sum (ATS) of at least 2000 °C.
• Diseases: Despite its complex pedigree, resistance to fungal diseases is only medium. Therefore, it requires preventive chemical or biological protection during the season.

Cultivation Recommendations (Pruning and Propagation)

• Training and Pruning: The vine loves large training systems, making it an ideal variety for pergolas. A high load (70 - 120 buds per vine) is recommended. Fruiting canes should be pruned to 6 to 12 buds.
• Propagation: Hardwood cuttings of this variety are very difficult to root. For successful propagation, the layering technique is highly recommended.

Harvest and Use

• Harvest Time: Mid-early to mid-season variety. The ripening period takes 130 - 135 days.
• Use: In its native Latvia, it is currently one of the best wine grape varieties (producing an amber-colored bright wine with an excellent taste). However, the sweet berries are also very popular for fresh eating.