Dondghlabi
Dondghlabi – is a local grapevine variety distributed in central and upper Imereti, providing relatively high quality white table wine.
In agricultural literature, as well as among the native viticulturists, this grapevine variety is also known by the names „Mchknara“, „Mchknara Dondglabi“ and „Dondghlabi.“ It originates from a group of domesticated grapevine varieties from the Kolkheti family. With its morphological and agricultural features, it stands very close to the grapevine varieties of Georgia and, together with them, belongs to the eco-geographical group of Prol. pontica Negr. The precise details of its spatiotemporal genesis is not available, however, based on comparative study and evaluation of its botanical and agricultural characteristics, it must be considered as a middle aged grapevine variety. There are several variations known in Imereti by the name Dondghlabi, specifically: „Mchknara of Mchknara-Dondghlabi,“ „Tavtsitela Dondghlabi“ and „Mtsvane Dondghlabi“. These variations differ from each other in their morphological and agricultural characteristics and also by their times of ripening. „Mchknara Dondglabi“ ripens two weeks earlier than „Mtsvane Dondghlabi“ and is of better quality; „Tavtsitela Dondghlabi“ is also as distinct from Mtsvane as from Mchknara Dondghlabi. These variations are also different in their distribution areas where they are most cultivated, as, for example, Mchknara Dondghlabi which can be found as much in upper as in central Imereti, whereas Mtsvane and Tavtsitela Dondghlabi are mostly cultivated in central and lower Imereti. From among these grapevine varieties, Mchknara Dondghlabi is described and considered as the better grapevine variety in terms of its agricultural possibilities and, therefore, is more distributed.
Mchknara Dondghlabi is cultivated in nearly all districts of Imereti. Unfortunately, its scope is not identified separately. According to 1953 data, the characterizing of vineyards is given in terms of the whole scope without differentiating particular references. For this reason, the land scope dedicated to the group of Dondghlabi grapevine variations is presented solely (see Table 1).
Based on the 1953 data about the distribution of vineyards, the entire scope dedicated to Dondghlabi in Georgia was 1028 ha. A comparatively larger area was dedicated in Zestafoni district (469ha.), followed by Terjola, Chiatura, Sachkhere, Maiakovski, Orjonikidze, Kutaisi, Tkibuli, and the last – Tskaltubo at 0.3ha. Of the indicated land scope, twice as much was taken up by Mchknara Dondghlabi, cultivated in the districts of Orjoniukidze, Chiatura, and Sachkhere, while in other districts Tavtsitela and Mtsvane Dondghlabi are also included in the vineyards of (i.e. Mchknara Dondghlabi). The wider distribution of Mchknara Dondghlabi is determined by such positive characteristics as early ripening and resistance to phylloxera; with an approximate calculation it has about 300 ha dedicated to its cultivation in upper Imereti. On the assumption that it half of this scope is cultivated in other districts, then the result is that Mchknara Dondghlabi holds 680 ha totally; the remaining area being concentrated on the cultivation of Tavtsitela and Mtsvane Donghlabi.
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Botanical description
Mchknara Dondghlabi was described in the collective vineyard of the village Obcha (Maiakovski district) then further exploration was conducted in the collective vineyard of the Institute of Viticulture and Enology in Telavi, cultivated on the north-eastern slope of the Tsiv-Gombori Mountain situated at 562.3m above sea level. The vine is grafted on Rupestri Dulo, pruned and formed by two-sided cordon, with a 3m2 feeding area (2 x 1.5m), and 50cm height. It has been cultivated since 1933 - 1934.
The young shoot
The young shoot (15 - 20 cm) including its crown, tips, and first two newly-opened leaves, is covered with thick white web-like down accompanied by bright pink circles around the crown and the first two leaves. The lower leaves are less coated on the topsides and are greenish-yellow with an orange hue, while the undersides are quite thickly coated with grayish white down.
The one year sprout
The mature one year sprouts in are bright brown the autumn; the axils are darker in coloring than the space between them, which is 7 - 9cm, while the lines around this space are barely noticeable.
The leaf
Well-developed leaves of the middle row (9 - 12) are middle-sized, with nearly equal width and length- around 16 - 18cm. The leaf is roundish or oval, three-lobed, rarely five or more, or can also be found without lobes, while often the secondary lobes of leaves can be encountered. The surface of the leaf is bright green, smooth or wrinkled like a net. As the ends of margins are protruded, the leaf takes the shape of a funnel.
The upper incisions are mostly deep or moderately deep. The shape of incisions varies widely from closed to open, more frequently being closed and containing an egg-like or wide elliptical eye, Rarely, open lyre-like incisions or those with parallel sides or incised and angular can also be found. The basis of incisions is often sharp or roundish, rarely having one tooth.
The lower incisions are quite deep or more superficial, mostly with the shape of a lyre, with parallel sides and rounded or sharp basis. Rarely, the incisions are gap-like or incised angular, rarely the lower incisions are not depicted at all.
The incision of the petiole is open, mostly with the shape of an acute lyre or rarely – an arch with a roundish or sharp basis; in their natural states incisions are closed wide elliptical.
The underside of the leaf is coated with thick web-like down below which is a thick rough layer; together creating quite a thick felt-like coating.
The major veins of the leaf end with narrow or often wide sharp triangular teeth. The lateral teeth are nearly the same in shape, but basically present with inclined convex teeth on one side.
The petiole is green, longer than the middle vein or rarely equal. The petiole is often smooth, rarely coated with thin web-like hairs.
The flower
The flower is hermaphroditic, consisting of standing stamens. There are 5 or rarely 5 stamens in a flower. The proportion of the length of stamens to the height of the pistil is 1.0 - 1.25. The pistil is angular cone-shaped, with a well-depicted column and small intact nose.
The bunch
The bunch is middle-sized, varying between 13 and 16 cm in length and 6 - 8cm in width. The shape of bunches is cone-like, sometimes with a shoulder or rarely cone-cylindrical branched bunches can be found. Often, the shoulder comes to the half of the bunch’s length. The bunch is quite dense, rarely thin. The pedicel of bunches is wooded to the basis and 4 - 5 cm long. The pedicel of the berry is green, and is 6 - 8mm long, rarely 10. The receptacle of the pedicel is wide cone-shaped and rough.
The grain
The berry is middle-sized, about 1.6 x 1.8cm. Large berries are 1.9 - 2.0cm long and 1.85 - 1.95cm wide. The berry is roundish, wider in the middle and has a rounded end. It is greenish-yellowish, and has thin and quite solid skin that is easily separable from the flesh and is covered with wax-like spots. The fruit is juicy, characterized with a plain but pleasant sweet taste and slightly depicted original aroma.
The seed
There are two seeds in a berry which are brownish, while on the beak and abdomen takes on a yellowish coloring. The seed is 7 - 8m long and 5.0 - 5.5mm wide. The basis is placed in the upper part of the seed, is oval and has an even or slightly concaved surface. The channel is lightly depicted from the basis to the tip, while around the beak is quite deep and well-depicted; The channels to the inside are narrow and quite deep. The beak is bright brown with a yellowish tone, 1.5 - 2.2mm long and 1.5 - 1.7 mm wide.
Agro-biological description
Vegetation period and course of phases
Observations of the vegetation period and its phases of Dondghlabi were carried out in Sakare testing station – in Zestafoni, in the collective vineyard of the Institute of Viticulture and Enology – in Telavi and in Ukraine at the Institute of Viticulture of Odessa.
The collective vineyard of Sakare station is cultivated on the right bank of the river Kvirila at 150m above sea level; the vineyard of the Institute of Viticulture is cultivated on the north-eastern slopes of the Tsiv-Gombori Mountain at 562.3m above sea level; while in Ukraine – in Odessa, the vineyard is cultivated around the dry Limani at 50m above sea level and is pruned and formed by two-sided cordon at 2 neki and two opposing hangers. The course of vegetative phases is connected with the data of the meteorological stations surrounding them.
Within the subtropical climate of Imereti, the vegetation period of Mchknara Dondghlabi lasts about 162 days; in the temperate warm climate of Kakheti it lasts 163 days, while in the relatively cool climate of Ukraine – 168 days; and in some years the grapes do not fully ripen.
The shorter the vegetation period, the smaller the sum of active temperatures; consequently in Ukraine, Mchknara Dondghlabi continues its vegetation period as long as the sum of active temperatures is 3360. This grapevine variety is adaptable not only to different districts but, within a district characterized with different meteorological conditions. The course of vegetative phases in different viticulture districts is the following: in Sakare – the breaks of buds begins on 17 April, the blossom period on 30 May, the ripening on 16 October, the full ripening on 26 September, by applying 3358° of warmth over 162 days; in Telavi – the break of buds begins on 2 May, the ripening on 30 August, and full ripening on 1 October, by using 3200° over 163 days; in Odessa – the break of buds begins from 26 May, the blossom – 8 June, the ripening – on 29 August, the full ripening – 10 October, using 3360° of warmth over 163 days.
According to the given data, Mchknara Dondghlavi ripens timely and successfully in Zestafoni and Telavi, while in Odessa only in some years. This grapevine variety is the most successful in Imereti where it accumulates much more sugar.
Dondghlabi belongs to the third period of ripening. The one year sprout of Mchknara Dondghlabi in the climate of Georgia is completely able to ripen and become woody to meet winter frosts strongly. This ability was evaluated as satisfying (80 - 95%) in Odessa by E. Komarova (13), based on his observations.
The strength of growth
Mchknara Dondghlabi is characterized with strong growth in the climate conditions of Imereti, however its development depends on the physical and chemical structure of the soils and whether they are fertilized or not. The correlation between these two- the climate and soil variations -is easy to evaluate in Kakheti where they are nearly constant and equal. For example, in Telavi, based on observations conducted in the collective vineyard of the Institute of Viticulture and Enology, the growth of Dondghlabi is stronger than average, In Odessa, according to observation conducted at the Institute of Viticulture of Ukraine by E. Komarova, Dondglabi is characterized with moderate growth and development.
The productivity
Mchknara Dondghlabi provides the first and full harvest from the third and fourth or fifth years of planting, similar to many other major industrial grapevine varieties of Imereti.
Mchknara Dondghlabi is a highly productive grapevine variety that is used for the making of quite valuable and quality wine and is the reason why this grapevine variety is distributed more widely than other non-standard grapevine varieties.
In Western Georgia, according to Prof. T. Kvaratskhelia and A. Mirotadze, the productivity of this grapevine variety varies around the particular vineyards from 150 to 200 centners per hectare, with the average being 78 - 100 centners. In Cachet, based on observations in the collective vineyard of the Institute of Viticulture and Enology, its productivity is 2.0 - 2.5 kg per vine; that is 67 - 84 centners per hectare. In Ukraine, it is also quite productive. According to E. Kopmarova, its productivity measurement in 1936-1939 varied from 1365 to 2700g per vine while in hectares – 100 centners per hectare; from 1950 to1953, the coefficient of productivity was 0.69 - 0.77, the average weight of a bunch was 143 - 191g, while of a vine – 2.8 - 4.46kg, i.e. 86 - 121 centners per hectare.
Mchknara Dondghlabi is characterized with high productivity, maintaining the coefficient 1 - 2 in Imereti. There, the average weight of a bunch is 165 - 200g, while of particularly large bunches 300 - 350g. In Kakheti, the coefficient of productivity varies from 1.35 to 1.56, the average weight of a bunch 169 - 180g, while of specifically well-developed bunches – 300g or more. In Ukraine, the coefficient of productivity is 1 - 1.25, and the average weight of a bunch varies from 120 to 160g. It is certain that the productivity of a grapevine variety depends on the strength of loading and quality of care it receives, but the importance of the genuine characteristics of each vine should also be emphasized, as, for example, in the case of Mchknara Dondghlabi where its productivity is distinguished with higher productivity than that of other grapevine varieties in the same cultivation and loading conditions. With proper care and loading, Mchknara Dondghlabi is able to quite easily produce 100-120 centners per hectare. It is characterized with dense bunches and farm berries and only insignificantly with small berries or excessive flower-fall and, importantly, its berries can easily be turned into raisins when over-ripe.
Resistance to fungal diseases and pests
According to the observations of Prof. T. Kvaratskhelia (14) and A. Mirotadze, Mchknara Dondghlabi is relatively more resistant to powdery mildew and to downy mildew in Imereti, than other grapevine varieties. In Kakheti, based on the observations conducted in the collective vineyard of the Institute of Viticulture and Enology, Mchknara is satisfactorily resistant to both powdery and downy mildews in comparison with local grapevine varieties.
It must be especially underlined that this variety has relatively high resistance to phylloxera. Even though phylloxera appeared many years ago and has caused great damage in Georgia, there are old vineyards of Dondghlabi (on its own roots) which can be found taking up quite large scopes, mostly in the gardens of collective farmers. These vineyards are characterized with moderate growth and development, as well as with good productivity that, in some vineyards, can be defined as 128 centners per hectare, according to A. Tsertsvadze. Therefore, with the resistance to phylloxera Mchknara Dondglabi is close to Tsitska and can be considered as one of the most resistant grapevine varieties in Georgia.
Adaptability to rootstocks of grapevine varieties
Mchknara Dondghlabi can be successfully graft on nearly all standard grapevine varieties distributed in Western Georgia, but most efficiently on Riparia X Rupestri 3306 and 3309 rootstocks, as well as on Rupestri Dulo. For limy soils it can also be grafted on Riparia X Berlandieri hybrids.
Response to environmental hazards
As the major distribution areas of Mchknara Dondghlabi are not characterized with severe frosts, no observation data could be collected or evaluated to determine the resistance of this variety to the influence of winter frosts. Even though, in Imereti, the frosts in some years can be -10 -14o in lowland areas and, more rarely, even -16 -17o (in Sakare and Samtredia), but this grapevine variety can be found as much in lowland as in highland places, mostly in highland areas. Mchkhnara Dondghlabi’s resistance to droughts in Imereti is unknown, while in Kakheti, according to long observation in the collective vineyard of the Institute of Viticulture and Enology, is considered as quite satisfying and high. For example, in the 1942 long-lasting drought, this grapevine variety revealed itself to be quite resistant to it. Mchknara is not demanding of soils, allowing it to be able to develop successfully in nearly all kinds of soils of Imereti, but humus-carbonate soils are more suitable than alluvial.
Agro-technical description
In visual appearance, mechanical structure of grape and bunches, and chemical structure of juice, Mchkhnara Dondghlabi should be dedicated to wine production and, accordingly, wine-making is its major application.
The mechanical structure of a bunch
To characterize the mechanical structure of bunches of Mchknara, below are presented the results of the chemical analysis conducted by V. Demetradze (1) and V. Kintsurashvili, in Sakare testing station (see Table 2). As Table 2 indicates, in laboratorial conditions, Mchknara Dondghlabi provides quite a large outcome of juice- about 72 - 80%. In industrial circumstances, the outcome of juice is higher over the mean of many years (such as 1940, 1945, 1947) varying from 78 to 82%, with the outcome of pomace varying from 18% to 22%. Local residents also imply that Mchknara is characterized with a higher outcome of juice than other grapevine varieties.
Chemical structure of juice
Mchknara Dondghlabi accumulates quite a large amount of sugar, usually from 20 to 24% during the harvest, while in some years- when harvested late – it can accumulate comparatively more, but this is related to the threat of decreased acidity. For this reason it is recommended to pick the grape early when it contains a desirable level of acidity in order to keep the necessary cheerfulness and freshness. To characterize the capability of sugar accumulation, below are given the results of the chemical analysis of the grape juice (see Table 3).
As Table 3 indicates, Mchknara Dondghlabi accumulates quite a good amount of sugar and sometimes maintains also a significant level of acidity, but, generally, these two are distributed disproportionally, so making it unsuitable for quality wine. The harvest should be carried out timely when the grape contains 20 - 21% sugar and 7 - 8% acidity.
The use of grape and quality of its production
Mchknara Dondghlabi in Imereti is mostly used for making white table wine wherein it is cultivated alone, but if cultivated together with Tsitska or Tsolikouri, a mixed wine can be pressed and prepared from them. The pure wine of Mchknara is yellow, clear, with a well-expressed original aroma and flesh. Generally the quality of the wine depends on the location and soil conditions of the vineyard.
Mchknara, planted together with Tsitska and Tsolikouri, is picked when it is over-ripe in order to decrease the acidity- which is characteristic for Tsitska and Tsolikouri - and to make the wine light. Typically, in the vineyards of Tsitska and Tsolikouri, it is dedicated ¼, rarely 1/3 of the entire vineyard- not more. On Soviet farms, the wine of Mchknara is made in the following way: the pressed grape juice is poured into clean pitchers, and pomace excluding the scion is added (at different proportions on different farms), about 10 - 16 kg per (sapalne), at least (8 - 10kg) the added pomace makes a more tender and pleasant wine.
In the micro-district of Kvalit-Tskhratskaro, according to scientist V. Demetradze (1), Mchknara Dondghlabi is quite widely cultivated and is used for making a blend wine together with Tsitska and Tsolikouri, often purely for its wine which comes from vineyards cultivated on the southern slopes. It consists of a good level of alcohol (11.0° and higher) but is less harmonious and not so full.
In central Imereti, in the village of Tskhratskaro where the vineyards of Mchknara are cultivated in humus-carbonate soils it (similar to Tsolikouri), high quality wine is produced which receives quite a high evaluation at closed degustation meetings. In the same village, but in alluvial soils, Mchknara is characterized with a moderate quality wine. Generally, the wine of Mchknara Dondghlabi comes out as high quality only in certain places and years, while usually it is fleshless and less harmonious.
In central Imereti, Mchknara Dondghlabi is rarely used purely for making wine, only where it is cultivated on humus-carbonate soils to get beautiful, aromatic, quite full and balanced table wine. In other places it is reasonably used together with Tsolikouri and Tsitska, to make their wines lighter and better. The organic characteristics of the wine of Mchknara Dondghlabi are given in Table 4.
In addition to table wine Mchknara as high quality grapevine variety is also prospective for making non-alcoholic grape juice, while in the upper Imereti it is recommended also being used for making high quality spirits.
The grape of Mchknara is also useable as for table grape because it is early ripening, has pleasant taste, thin and large bunches.
To characterize chemical structure of its wines, below are presented the results of chemical analysis conducted in Sakare testing station by prof. K. Modebadze (3), V. Demetradze (1) and V. Kintsurashvili; separately is also given the chemical analysis of wine samples prepared in Ukraine (Odessa) (see Table 5).
The data indicated in Table 5 completely reflect above mentioned description of Mchknara wines. In Ukraine Mchknara has also maintained/kept its characteristics of wine: lightness, taste and additionally acquired one – the cheerfulness.
The wine of Mchknara in Imereti is early ripening and also early maturing. Its wine is mature from 3-4 year to use, for this, to keep the wine long and make it well-matured is not reasonable. The whole store of the wine should be put in realization (sold) in 4-5 years, if not it will lose taste values.
General evaluation and distribution by district
Mchknara Dondghlabi is the local widely distributed grapevine variety of Imereti, providing light dark yellow original table wine. In some lime soils provides quite full, quality white table wine. In an industry it is pressed together with Tsitska and Tsolikouri to make quality white table wines.
The positive characteristics of this grapevine variety include its high productivity and quite high resistance to phylloxera and the variety of use: as for table wine, as for grape juice and as a wine material for different types of wines.
However, this grapevine variety has also the negative characteristics such as not high quality of the wine and inability to provide well-matured wines as it does not last long (becomes aged early).
Mchknara is not included in standard assortment of precious grapevine varieties; is recommended using in wine production as an additional wine material and also for non-alcoholic grape juice and spirits. Mchknara as it is early grapevine variety and highly productive is prospective to try to cultivate in the southern viticulture districts of the Soviet Union.
Bibliography
1. Demetradze V., Materials for Dividing Western Georgian Viticulture and Enology Industry into Regions and Specialization. Kutaisi, 1936.
2. Ketskhoveli N., Zone of Cultural Plants in Georgia. Tbilisi, 1957.
3. Tabidze D., Development of Viticulture in Georgia. Tbilisi, 1950.
4. Javakhishvili Iv., Economic History of Georgia, Vol. II. 1934.
5. Jorjadze L., Viticulture, Wine-making and Improvement. Tbilisi, 1876.
6. Modebadze K. Viticulture districts of Georgia, Tbilisi, 1936.
