Grapevine (Vitis spp.) PINO MIČURINSKIJ

Grapevine (Vitis spp.) 'Pino Michurinsky'

An indestructible adaptation of Pinot Noir with extreme frost hardiness and top-tier quality for winemakers.

The 'Pino Michurinsky' variety (also known as Chorny Sladky) is the result of brilliant Russian breeding aimed at bringing the quality of noble Pinot Noir to the harshest northern conditions. This vine exceeds all expectations—it survives frosts below -30°C, resists diseases even in the shade, and thanks to its high glucose content, it is an absolute favorite for producing high-quality juices, wines, and homemade spirits (brandy).

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extreme frost hardiness: Proven resistance down to -34°C (-29°F); requires no winter protection.
• Late spring frost resistance: Unique ability to handle drops down to -3°C (27°F) even after bud break.
• Premium raw material: High sugar content (23° Brix) makes it perfect for top-tier wine and distillates.
• Double harvest: Can bloom repeatedly and produce a second wave of harvest on lateral shoots in September.
• High disease resistance, ideal for organic growing without sprays.

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: Russia (Michurinsk). Breeders: I. M. Filipenko and L. T. Shtin.
• Crossing: Developed from the open pollination of the noble 'Pinot Noir' and the wild Amur grape (Vitis amurensis).

Variety Characteristics

Vine / Shrub

• Vigor: Medium vigor with very good and early wood ripening.
• Leaves: Medium-sized, deeply lobed, five-lobed, and typically dark green.
• Blooming Specifics: The variety is self-fertile and tends to bloom throughout the summer, allowing for a second crop on lateral shoots from mid-September.

Bunches and Berries

• Bunches: Small to medium-sized, cylindrical, very dense, and compact.
• Berries: Small to medium, slightly oval, dark blue with a thick waxy coating.
• Taste and Composition: Juicy and unique. Despite high sugar (23° Brix), it doesn't taste overly sweet because the sugars consist mainly of glucose. This trait is highly valued for spirits production.

Resistance and Requirements

• Extreme Cold: Officially rated to -30°C, but in practice, mature vines have survived black frosts down to -34°C (-29°F).
• Diseases: Features high natural immunity to fungal diseases. It thrives and remains healthy even when grown in the shade.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Crop Regulation: Due to high fertility, moderate bunch thinning is recommended in mid-June to maintain quality and berry size.
• Use: Universal. For fresh consumption, but especially for juices, quality wine, and brandy.

Harvest and Ripening

• Harvest Time: Early variety. The main crop usually ripens in the first half of August (approx. 120 days from bud break).