Description
Razaki, also written Rozaki or Rosaki, is the Greek name of an old white table grape known in France as Dattier de Beyrouth and in Hungary, Croatia and Romania as Afuz Ali. The French and EU vine catalogues list Rozaki as its official name in Greece. It is of natural origin and is grown in many countries. It ripens late and is grown for its very large, loose bunches of very large, long berries with a thick skin, fleshy pulp and a simple flavour, which store and travel well. In Greece the name is also used for a separate local variety, Opsimos Soufliou.
Characteristics
White table grape; seeded; late-season ripening (about four and a half weeks after Chasselas); very large, loose to moderately compact bunches; very large, long oval to cylindrical berries; thick skin; fleshy pulp; simple flavour; good storage and transport qualities; vigorous; prone to poor fruit set (coulure and millerandage); very susceptible to downy mildew and phomopsis; sensitive to grey rot
Growing Tips
Razaki is vigorous, but its young shoots break easily at the base in spring and are sensitive to wind, so tie them in early and give the vine a sheltered spot. It can be pruned short or long. It is very susceptible to downy mildew and phomopsis and sensitive to grey rot, so start protective sprays early and keep the bunch zone open. It needs a long, warm season to ripen.