Illichevskiy Early is a wine grape variety with early ripening, ripening in approximately 128 days. The plant is characterized by medium vigor and forms conical clusters of medium size and density, weighing about 130 grams. The berries are medium-sized, round, black, with fleshy and juicy pulp and firm skin. The berry taste is simple, sugar content reaches 19.4-20.2%, and acidity is within 5.9-6.3 g/l, ensuring a harmonious balance for winemaking and juice production.
The variety's shoots ripen well, with fruiting shoots ranging from 82 to 92%, and an average number of clusters per shoot of 1.4. The recommended load per bush is 30-45 buds with pruning of fruiting canes to 3-4 buds. Yield is stable and averages about 4 kg per bush. The variety is distinguished by high frost resistance — withstanding temperatures down to -24°C, as well as increased resistance to diseases such as downy mildew (3 points) and powdery mildew (2.5 points), while gray rot affects it insignificantly.
Illichevskiy Early adapts well to high-stem training with a stem height of about 70 cm. To maintain the health and productivity of the bush, it is necessary to regularly remove excess shoots. Thanks to its characteristics, the variety is widely used for the production of red table wines and high-quality juices, making it a valuable choice for viticulturists and winemakers.
