Description
Nadezhda AZOS is a black table grape bred by Nadezhda Apalkova at the Anapa Zonal Experimental Station for Viticulture and Winemaking (AZOS) on Russia's Black Sea coast, by crossing Moldova with Cardinal. It entered state trials in 1991 and Russia's state register in 1998 for the North Caucasus region. It ripens early, mostly in the second half of August at Anapa. The broad, conical bunches are loose, and the large, oval, black berries have a firm, crunchy skin, meaty, juicy flesh and a pleasant, simple flavour.
Characteristics
Black table grape; seeded; early ripening (about 120 to 130 days; second half of August at Anapa); large, broad conical or branched, loose bunches of about 450 to 600 g; oval berries of about 6 to 8 g; firm, crunchy skin; meaty, juicy flesh; pleasant, simple taste; vigorous; bisexual flowers; increased resistance to downy and powdery mildew; moderate grey rot resistance; low winter hardiness
Growing Tips
Nadezhda AZOS resists downy and powdery mildew better than most table grapes, so a few well-timed sprays are usually enough, but its grey rot resistance is only moderate. Its winter hardiness is low, so cover it for winter in cold areas. The state register describes short pruning of the fruiting canes to two to four buds on a high cordon. Cuttings root poorly, so buy a rooted or grafted vine.