Albillo de Crimea — this is a white wine grape variety of Spanish origin, introduced to the countries of the former USSR and successfully cultivated in Crimea, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. This variety belongs to the western European group and is characterized by early ripening. The leaves are large, may be round or slightly lobed, with a wrinkled surface and dark green color. Bunches are usually small, cylindrical or cylindrical-conical, dense and winged, with berries of amber-yellow or golden hue, juicy and sweet, although the variety is prone to berry shattering.
Albillo de Crimea has a thin, translucent skin and fleshy, juicy pulp. Flowers are bisexual, which contributes to good pollination and stable yields. Despite its attractive flavor qualities, the variety has low resistance to fungal diseases, especially gray mold and oidium, but it shows resistance to mildew. These characteristics require careful care and protection of plants during the growing season.
The main use of this variety is for producing fortified wines, such as port, madeira, and sherry. In Crimea, grapes of Albillo are used to produce renowned wines, including collection and special types of madeira and sherry, valued for their rich flavor and aroma. Additionally, the variety can be consumed fresh due to its sweet and juicy berries. Thus, Albillo de Crimea represents a versatile grape combining European winemaking traditions with the characteristics of the Crimean terroir.
