EXPRESSION OF THE MAIN AMPELOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SEVEN AUTOCHTHONOUS GRAPEVINE CULTIVARS GROWN IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF ALBANIA

Elizabeta SUSAJ, Lush SUSAJ

Abstract

Albania is a well-known country of origin of the several autochthonous or indigenous grapevine ecotypes and cultivars, and the wild grapevine. The aim of the study was the ampelographic characterization of seven autochthonous cultivars selected and cultivated over centuries in different locations of central and northeastern Albania. The study was conducted during 17 years (2005-2022), but the study of each cultivar in each location was conducted for three consecutive years to reach the right conclusions. The representative sample of each cultivar was composed of 10 vines, labeled and marked throughout the study period, on 10 leaves for the mature leaf characteristics, and so on. Observed results showed that some characteristics seem to be similarly expressed, while some others were differently expressed. Similarities were shown for the openness of the tip of the young shoot (OIV-001), shoot attitude (before tying) (OIV-006), the number of lobes of the mature leaf (OIV-068), must yield (ml juice/100 g berries) (OIV-233), total acidity (tartaric acid) of must (g/L) (OIV-506), time of budburst (OIV-301), and time of full bloom (OIV-302), while the other characteristics were evaluated differently. These cultivars and ecotypes continue to dominate the varietal structure of Albania's vineyards and pergolas and serve as a very important factor in the development of viticulture and winemaking, as well as in the development of rural tourism, the basis for very high-quality wines for the local market and foreign tourists, who seek for specific Albanian products.

Pages: 63 - 73