Keфессия is a technical grape variety developed in Crimea at the end of the 20th century and cultivated on limited areas in the Sudak district. This variety belongs to the Eastern wine group and is characterized by a late ripening period. The vegetative period lasts about 210 days, with berries starting to ripen in the second decade of August and reaching full maturity in the second half of September. The vines of Keфессия ripen well, and the bush growth force is above average, ensuring high yields — up to 100–120 centners per hectare with proper care and planting.
The berries have an oval shape, dark blue color with a thick waxy bloom, firm skin, and melting flesh. The juice contains about 22 g of sugar per 100 ml and acidity of approximately 6.2 g/l, making them particularly suitable for the production of dessert wines. The skin constitutes about 5% of the berry mass, pulp and juice — 87%, and seeds — 2%. Leaves are medium-sized, round, weakly lobed, and flowers are functionally female. Bunches are large, broadly conical, and dense.
For successful cultivation of Keфессия, it is recommended to plant it on loamy and sandy-loam soils, preferably on slopes with good drainage. The variety requires planting near pollinator varieties, such as Sapera and Magarach Bastard, to ensure full fruiting. Frost resistance of the variety reaches -20°C. Despite high yields, Keфессия is prone to overloading and has low resistance to fungal diseases and pests, such as oidium and grape leaf roller, which requires regular care and protection. The main application of the variety is the production of dessert wine "Black Doctor", known for its mild taste and healing properties.
