Any gardener, even a non-professional wine grower, knows that this culture is very thermophilic and does not tolerate frost. If one-year-old recruits are affected by a drop in temperature, they will die. Perennials are somewhat more patient, but low temperatures can worsen the quality of fruiting and longevity.

Based on temperature norms, growers subdivide varieties into covering and non-covering varieties. Some gardeners, for greater confidence, immediately buy winter-hardy non-sheltering grape varieties in order to protect themselves from unforeseen circumstances. There is no question here that they can survive extreme frosts, but in a temperate winter climate they will quite survive until spring without much damage.

general information

There are slightly more than 20 frost-resistant grape varieties. At the same time, it is customary in viticulture to base the selection on the level of sweetness, degree of frost resistance, ease of care. Considering that most gardeners live in the Middle Lane, many choose the best wine grape varieties that are not covered.

Important!It is recommended to gradually accustom young seedlings to frost and cold snap: cover newly-baked vines of frost-resistant grape varieties for at least 3 years.

Moreover, the older the grapes, the later you need to cover it, and remove the oilcloth as early as possible. The plant will harden and in the future will do without shelter.

Winter in the garden

Professionals set the maximum range of frost resistance down to -33 ° С, but the maximum mark is up to -28 ° С. Even so, it is highly undesirable to let the plants supercool before such frosts. Therefore, in an area where winter behaves unpredictably, it is recommended to remove grape vines from the trellises and place them on the ground. This is beneficial in that the buds will not have the opportunity to wake up prematurely, which will keep the grapes uncovered from freezing.

Important! One and the same winter-hardy grape can manifest itself in different ways in different climatic zones. For example, in the Kuban, he may show himself differently than in Siberia.

Among the varieties most preferred by winegrowers in Central Russia, the Urals, Siberia, the Moscow Region or the Moscow Region are the so-called Isabella varieties. They differ and attract gardeners because the fruits are sweet. What else becomes the reason for their choice is that they do not require special care for themselves. Only at some moments can you water them in the summer, and in the spring you can lightly fertilize them with compost or fertilizing with saltpeter.

Important! Covering frost-resistant grapes require more care. During the season, he needs at least 3 fertilizing, weekly watering and frequent pruning, as well as treatment from pests and diseases.

Winter-hardy varieties have the ability to regenerate. The most favorable areas for planting them are the southern part of the garden.

Non-covering grape varieties most preferred by gardeners:

  • Ontario is native to the United States and was first bred by crossing Diamond and Winchel. The weight of the bunches can reach 300 g. The grapes are round, yellowish in color, the taste is characterized as sweet, with sourness.
  • The Amethyst variety is no less a good choice, since it is immune to many diseases, and the maximum tolerable temperature is −34 ° С. The plant has powerful vines, which begin to bear fruit as quickly as possible, reaching a weight of 800 g. The grapes are characterized as juicy, dark blue in color, have a sweetish taste.
  • The Isabella variety is the most famous and preferred by winegrowers.The vine can form up to 4 clusters during the season. The plant tolerates transportation without much difficulty. Grapes with a size of 2 cm, a weight of 4 g and a blue tint are used mainly for making wine. Some gourmets preserve compotes from them for the winter.
  • The Lydia variety first appeared in the United States. Harvesting comes in autumn. Large, almost translucent berries, slightly pinkish in color, with dense skin are removed from the bush.
  • The Valiant variety stands out from this list in that it can withstand temperatures as low as -46 ° C. Grows quickly, medium-sized clusters. The grapes are small, blue in color, there are seeds inside. Strawberry flavor and medium sugar content are also noteworthy. Gardeners prefer to make jelly or wine from it.
  • The Mure Erly variety is characterized as withstanding a drop in temperature down to -35 ° C. The berries taste like Isabella. But here it is worth remembering that at the beginning of autumn he needs pruning.
  • Kay Gray matures early. Small bunches. The bushes can withstand temperatures as low as -41 ° C. Grapes with a golden hue. Most often it is used to make wines.

Variety Amethyst

The best non-covering frost-resistant grapes

Grape varieties for wine

Isabella is the best open grape for arbors. It began to be actively cultivated in the 50s of the last century. The main characteristics of the Isabella variety:

  • the vine can reach 4 m in length, tolerates temperature drops to −28 ° С, is immune to fungal diseases;
  • fruits ripen on average within 165 days;
  • small clusters weighing 140 g, but if you take good care of them, the brushes increase in size;
  • The grape has a round shape, the flesh inside is slightly slimy, reaches a mass of 4 g, the sour-sweet taste and aroma of strawberries are notable, the outer shell is strong, black.

Isabella variety

Important! The Isabella variety is inappropriate for regions where the air temperature drops lower than in Central Russia.

The Lydia variety is very popular among winegrowers, which is characterized as:

  • mid-season variety, frost-resistant;
  • ripening period - 155 days on average, harvest time - late summer - early autumn;
  • bushes are small, leaves are not thick, flowers of both sexes;
  • brushes are wide, cone-shaped, of medium size, reaching 150 g;
  • Lydia produces small, round fruits: slimy flesh, strawberry flavor, dense dark red skin.

The Ontario variety, which is the result of crossing between Diamond and Unchel varieties, reaches medium size in adulthood. Its other characteristics:

  • average yield, fruits are harvested at the end of September;
  • low temperature resistance is high, up to -29 ° С;
  • brushes have the shape of a cylinder, reach a mass of 150 g;
  • fruits of medium shape weighing 3 g, light green in color, sweetish in taste.

  • Ontario variety

Interesting! In the description of Ontario grapes, it is said that the variety is the most resistant to dangerous diseases, in particular, to mildew.

There are many advantages of uncovered grape varieties: an increased level of frost resistance, a sweet taste with sourness. Among the minuses - the small size of the bunches and berries.

But which of the grape varieties to choose is up to each gardener himself. If he doesn't want to bother with a covering view (often watering, processing, pruning, preparing for winter), then the advice is obvious - it's better to buy frost-resistant grapes and not worry about frosts that can ruin the harvest!