Grape Tannat

Tannat by "Lazurnaya Yagoda": A Premium Choice for Viticulture

Tannat is a demanding technical variety, designed for winemakers who prioritize structure and long-term aging potential. When sourcing cuttings from "Lazurnaya Yagoda," it is essential to recognize that this variety excels only in specific southern climates, where it can fully develop its deep, fruit-driven profile. It is the hallmark of wines with significant tannic complexity.

Cultivation Challenges and Management

Due to its high susceptibility to mildew, oidium, and gray mold, Tannat requires an uncompromising, strictly scheduled protection program. Integrating preventative measures is critical from early spring to harvest. Furthermore, with a cold hardiness threshold of -18°C, the variety mandates a cover-crop approach, requiring seasonal burial of the vines. While this increases labor intensity, it is the only way to ensure the long-term health and productivity of the vineyard in regions with winter risks.

Key Vineyard Specifications

• Usage: Technical; specifically for the production of full-bodied red wines.
• Ripening: Late; requires high active temperature accumulation zones.
• Yield: Low; however, this limitation is the primary factor in achieving concentrated, high-quality must.
• Cluster Size: Medium (300–500 g), requiring precise fruit-load management.

Practical application of "Tannat" from "Lazurnaya Yagoda" is focused on producing terroir-driven, vintage-quality wines. The naturally low yield serves as a benefit for growers: when water stress and green harvesting are carefully managed, the grapes accumulate the dense polyphenolic structure necessary for wines capable of bottle-aging for decades. This is a high-reward variety for growers willing to invest in meticulous canopy management and disease control.