Grapevine (Vitis spp.) SUKRIBE

Grapevine (Vitis spp.) 'Sukribe'

A legendary Latvian variety for the coldest regions, prized for extreme frost hardiness, early harvest, and vigorous growth.

The 'Sukribe' variety is one of the greatest successes of breeder Pauls Sukatnieks. It has gained popularity not only in Latvia but also in Scandinavia and the USA (Minnesota), where traditional varieties cannot be grown. It is an exceptionally resilient vine that ripens reliably even in short northern summers. It offers sweet fruits with a specific aromatic profile and, thanks to its vitality, is ideal even for beginners.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extreme frost hardiness: Withstands temperatures from -25 to -30 °C (-13 to -22 °F); no winter covering required.
• Early and reliable ripening: Needs only 95 - 105 days to harvest (often ready by late August).
• High productivity: A very vital variety that yields consistently even under heavy loads.
• Universal use: Excellent as a dessert table grape and for producing high-quality wine.
• Strong vigor and excellent wood ripening.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: Latvia. Breeder: Pauls Sukatnieks.
• Crossing: An interspecific hybrid of the European variety 'Madeleine Angevine' and the North American 'Dvietes Zilā' (Vitis labrusca). Officially registered in Latvia and Sweden.

Variety Characteristics

Vine / Shrub

• Vigor: Exceptionally strong and vital. Shoots ripen very well and reliably in the autumn.
• Pollination: The flowers are hermaphroditic, making the variety fully self-fertile.
• Planting: Suitable for standard wire trellises, but due to its vigorous growth, it excels when planted against sunny walls.

Bunches and Berries

• Bunches: Medium-sized (average 150 - 190 g), conical, and ranging from moderately dense to loose.
• Berries: Medium-sized (approx. 3 - 4 g), round in shape with a greenish-yellow color and a waxy coating.
• Taste: The flesh is juicy and sweet (sugar content up to 18.6%). It has a distinct, specific aroma typical of American varieties (labrusca), which is highly appreciated by fans of aromatic grapes.
• Seeds: Berries contain 1 to 3 medium-sized seeds.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Very high resistance. It withstands freezes down to -30 °C (-22 °F), allowing for open-field cultivation without winter protection.
• Diseases: Generally shows good resistance, but in years with high infection pressure, it may be moderately susceptible to downy and powdery mildew. Preventive protection is recommended.
• Soil: Achieves best results in slightly acidic soils.

Cultivation Recommendations (Pruning)

• Pruning: A short pruning of fruiting canes to 4 - 6 buds is recommended. Horizontal training often leads to even larger and more beautiful bunches.

Harvest and Use

• Harvest Time: Early variety. Fruits ripen in early September, or even late August in sunny years.
• Use: Universal. It is an excellent dessert grape that is also popular in northern countries for making aromatic wine.