RISUS

Risus is a technical grape variety that ripens in the Lower Donbass region at the end of September to early October. The production period is about 150 days. Bushes are of medium vigor, hermaphroditic, with a two-arm cordon bush shape, 1 meter high, or fan-shaped. Bunches are cylindrical or cylindro-conical, winged, dense, with an average weight of about 220 grams. Berries are of medium size, round, greenish-white, acquiring a pinkish hue when over-ripe. Skin is dense and elastic, pulp is juicy, taste is pleasant, reminiscent of the Riesling variety. Berries contain 2-3 medium-sized seeds. The variety is prone to overloading with fruit, the fruiting coefficient is 1.7. The yield of the Risus variety is high and stable, reaching 150-200 centners per hectare with a juice sugar content of 20-22% and acidity of 9-11 g/l. The cane ripens well, the variety has high winter hardiness and frost resistance up to -26°C. Thanks to good regenerative ability, Risus can be grown in non-covering culture. The variety is characterized by high resistance to downy mildew (maximum damage score 2.0) and powdery mildew (3.0), which allows limiting to 1-2 preventive treatments against fungal diseases. Risus is tolerant to phylloxera and can be grown in own-rooted culture on new lands free from this pest. It has good affinity with the rootstock Riparia x Rupestris 101-14. Risus is recommended for the production of table and sparkling wines, as well as for obtaining high-quality cognac spirits. Table wine from this variety is characterized by a straw color, well-developed bouquet, similar to the Riesling variety, as well as fresh and harmonious taste. The tasting score of the wine on an 8-point scale is 7.8 points. The planting scheme for grapes is 3 on 1.5 meters, the load on the bush is 40-50 buds, pruning is performed on 3-4 buds.