MTSVANE
Mtsvane: A Classic Georgian Grape Variety
Mtsvane is an indigenous white grape variety found primarily in the Kakheti region of Georgia. It is known for its pale green color when ripe, which is reflected in its name.
History and Origins
Mtsvane is an ancient variety with a long history in Georgia. It is believed to have originated in the region and has been cultivated for centuries.
Names and Synonyms
Mtsvane has various synonyms and local names, including Mchk’nara, Safena, Mamali Mtsvane, and Dedali Mtsvane. These names reflect the different regional variations and characteristics of the grape.
Characteristics and Growing Conditions
- Growth: Mtsvane is a moderately vigorous grape variety that requires fertile soil and good care.
- Disease Susceptibility: It is susceptible to certain diseases, particularly powdery mildew.
- Distribution: Mtsvane was once more widely distributed in Georgia, but its cultivation area has decreased due to the spread of powdery mildew.
Winemaking Potential
Mtsvane is a highly regarded grape variety used in Georgian winemaking. It produces high-quality white table wines, both in the European and Kakhetian styles.
Key Characteristics of Mtsvane Wines
- Aroma: Mtsvane wines are known for their delicate aromas, often described as floral, citrusy, or herbal.
- Flavor: The wines are typically harmonious, with a balanced acidity and a refreshing taste.
- Structure: Mtsvane wines have a good structure and can age well.
- Blending: Mtsvane is often blended with other grape varieties, such as Rkatsiteli, to create more complex and interesting wines.
Botanical Description of the Mtsvane Grape Variety
Botanical Characteristics:
- Vine: Mtsvane vines are typically trained on a trellis and have a vigorous growth habit.
- Young Shoot: Young shoots are pubescent, covered in a layer of fine hairs.
- One-Year-Old Cane: The canes have a reddish-brown color with prominent nodes and internodes.
- Leaf: Mtsvane leaves are medium-sized, rounded or oval in shape, and often have five lobes. The leaf surface is wrinkled and has deep lobes. The underside of the leaf is covered in a layer of fine hairs.
- Flower: Mtsvane flowers are perfect, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
- Cluster: Clusters are medium-sized, conical in shape, and have a moderate density.
- Berry: Mtsvane berries are medium-sized, oval, and have a distinctive greenish-yellow color. They are covered in a waxy bloom. The pulp is juicy and fleshy with a pleasant flavor.
Phenological Characteristics:
- Vegetative Period: Mtsvane has a medium-length vegetative period.
- Maturity: It typically reaches full maturity in the second half of September.
Agronomic Characteristics:
- Yield: Mtsvane is a moderately high-yielding grape variety.
- Disease Resistance: It is relatively resistant to certain diseases, but can be susceptible to powdery mildew.
- Soil Requirements: Mtsvane prefers fertile soils with good drainage.
- Training: It is commonly trained using the double cordon or short cordon system.
Agronomic Characteristics of the Mtsvane Grape Variety
Agronomic Characteristics:
- Vegetative Period: Mtsvane has a medium-length vegetative period, typically ranging from 138 to 161 days.
- Maturity: It is a second-period maturing variety, reaching full maturity in the second half of September.
- Active Temperature Sum: Mtsvane requires a total active temperature sum of around 2935°C for optimal development.
- Yield: Mtsvane is a moderately high-yielding variety, with yields comparable to other well-known Georgian grapes like Rkatsiteli and Saperavi.
- Disease Susceptibility: Mtsvane is relatively susceptible to powdery mildew, which can affect its yield and quality. However, proper disease management practices can mitigate this risk.
Cultivation Practices:
- Berry Set: Mtsvane has a good berry set, with an average of 85-90% fruit set.
- Cluster Density: Cluster density can vary depending on cultural practices and environmental conditions.
- Grape Quality: Mtsvane grapes are known for their high sugar content, moderate acidity, and pleasant aroma.
- Winemaking Potential: Mtsvane is a versatile grape variety used to produce a range of high-quality wines, including dry, semi-dry, and dessert wines.
Agronomic Characteristics and Cultivation of the Mtsvane Grape Variety
Agronomic Characteristics:
- Disease Resistance: Mtsvane is relatively resistant to powdery mildew and downy mildew, but it can be susceptible to other diseases like gray rot and black rot.
- Frost Resistance: Mtsvane is moderately frost-resistant, but it can be damaged by severe frosts.
- Drought Tolerance: Mtsvane is generally drought-tolerant, but regular irrigation is necessary during dry periods.
- Soil Requirements: Mtsvane prefers fertile, well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH.
- Training Systems: Mtsvane is commonly trained using the double cordon or short cordon system.
Other Characteristics:
- Pruning: Pruning should be moderate to maintain a balance between vegetative growth and fruit production.
- Fertilization: Regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer is important for optimal growth and yield.
- Irrigation: Irrigation is necessary during dry periods, especially during flowering and fruit set.
- Disease and Pest Control: Regular monitoring and timely treatment of diseases and pests are essential to maintain healthy vines and high-quality grapes.
Harvesting:
- Harvest Time: Mtsvane grapes are typically harvested in the second half of September or early October.
- Yield: Mtsvane is a moderately high-yielding variety, with average yields ranging from 10-15 tons per hectare.
Technological Characteristics of the Mtsvane Grape Variety
Technological Characteristics:
- Juice Yield: Mtsvane grapes have a high juice yield, with an average of 70-80 hectoliters of juice per ton of grapes.
- Sugar and Acidity: The grapes contain a balanced level of sugar and acidity, which is ideal for winemaking.
- Aroma Compounds: Mtsvane grapes are rich in aromatic compounds, contributing to the complex and nuanced aromas of the resulting wines.
Winemaking Potential:
Mtsvane is a versatile grape variety that can be used to produce a wide range of wines, both in the European and Kakhetian styles.
European Style:
- Color: Wines made in the European style tend to have a pale greenish-yellow color.
- Aroma: They exhibit delicate floral, citrus, and herbal aromas.
- Flavor: The wines are characterized by their harmonious balance, refreshing acidity, and light body.
Kakhetian Style:
- Color: Kakhetian-style Mtsvane wines often have a deeper golden color.
- Aroma: They showcase more intense fruit flavors, such as peach, apricot, and white flowers.
- Structure: These wines are generally more full-bodied and have a firmer structure.
Chemical Composition of Mtsvane Grape Juice and Its Importance in Winemaking
Chemical Composition:
The chemical composition of Mtsvane grape juice significantly influences its suitability for different types of winemaking.
Sugar Content and Its Significance:
- High Sugar Content: Mtsvane grapes are characterized by their high sugar content, especially when fully ripe.
- Versatility: This high sugar content allows for the production of wines with varying levels of alcohol content, from dry to sweet.
- Alcohol Content: The higher sugar content translates to a higher alcohol content in the resulting wine.
Acidity:
- Balanced Acidity: Mtsvane grapes exhibit a balanced acidity, with a harmonious relationship between sugar and acids.
- Wine Stability: Acidity contributes to the microbial stability of the wine and helps preserve its freshness.
Other Substances:
- Aromatic Compounds: Mtsvane grapes contain a variety of aromatic compounds, imparting unique aromas and flavors to the wine.
- Phenolic Compounds: Phenolic compounds influence the color, structure, and aging potential of the wine.
Mtsvane is a prominent grape variety in the Kakheti region, particularly in the Telavi, Sagarejo, Akhmeta, and Gurjaani districts. Wines made from Mtsvane have been renowned for centuries and exported to various countries.
Regional Variations:
- Akhmeta: Mtsvane wines from Akhmeta are known for their high quality and have often been compared to the best European wines.
- Manavi: The Manavi micro-region is especially renowned for its Mtsvane vineyards. Wines from this area are characterized by their exceptional quality and unique aromas.
- Tsinandali: In the Tsinandali region, Mtsvane is often blended with other grape varieties to create complex and harmonious wines.
