ARTIN ZERVA

Artin Zerva is a Crimean grape variety belonging to the eco-geographical group of the Black Sea basin. It ripens in mid-September, usually in the second decade of the month. Bushes are of medium height with medium growth vigor. Leaves are of medium size, rounded, five- or seven-lobed, deeply cut, with dense hairy-hirsute pubescence on the underside. Flowers are hermaphroditic, which promotes good pollination and fruit set. Bunches are of medium size, cylindrical or cylindro-conical in shape, often winged, dense to medium-dense. Berries are of medium size, rounded, yellowish-green in color, covered with a dense waxy bloom. The berry skin is thick and tough, the pulp is juicy with a simple flavor. The juice is colorless, with sugar content ranging from 20-27 g/100 cm³ and titratable acidity of about 6-7 g/dm³. Medium-sized seeds are present in the berries. The tasting score of young winemaking material is about 7.6 points, with a straw color and weak aroma with green apple notes, and a taste of moderate fullness. The variety is used mainly for the production of ordinary table and dessert wines, often in a blend with other varieties. The yield of Artin Zerva is average or low, about 104 c/ha. The grapes are winter-hardy, enduring minimum temperatures down to -21°C. However, the variety is susceptible to fungal diseases: in particular, it is moderately affected by downy mildew, while powdery mildew and grey rot cause significant damage, especially in a wet autumn. The technological properties of the variety are studied insufficiently, which requires further research for optimizing winemaking use.