Variushkin is an ancient Don technical grape variety of medium-late maturation period, belonging to the ecological-geographical group of Black Sea basin varieties. Bushes are medium-sized with good shoot ripening. Leaves are medium-sized, deeply lobed, slightly net-veined and wrinkled, and partially hairy underneath. Flowers are bisexual, which promotes stable fruit set. Bunches are predominantly of medium size, conical or cylinder-conical, sometimes winged, with dense or medium-density structure. Berries are round or slightly oval, dark red, almost black, covered with a thick waxy bloom, with thick skin and juicy flesh.
The period from bud break to technological maturity is about 140-150 days at a sum of active temperatures of about 3000°C. The variety is capable of intensive sugar accumulation – up to 23-25% sugar with a uniform decrease in acidity, which ensures a harmonious taste with soft acidity. Yield varies from 50 to 80 centners per hectare, while on sufficiently moist soils the yield can be above average. Variushkin differs in comparative winter hardiness and relative resistance to downy mildew, however, it is sensitive to soil drought, which negatively affects growth and fruiting.
Variushkin grape is widely used for the production of high-quality red dessert wines thanks to its technical characteristics and taste qualities. Its berries with thick skin and rich taste allow creating wines with a rich aroma and balanced sweetness, which makes this variety in demand among winemakers of Rostov region and other regions with suitable climatic conditions.
