Kristalen
| Variety Passport | |
| Country of origin: | Bulgaria |
| Breeder: | The "Obraztsov Chiflik" Institute |
| Year of obtaining / registration: | Obtained in 1996 |
| Pedigree given by breeder: | Pamid Ruse 1 × Kailashki Misket |
| Species: | Vitis vinifera |
| Ripening period: | Early |
| Classification and Use: | Wine, Dry Table Wines, Distillates and Brandy |
| Resistance group: | Moderately resistant |
| Data Sources: | ИЗС Образцов чифлик (Bulgaria) |
| Agrobiology | |
| Vigor: | vigorous |
| Downy mildew susceptibility: | 3 points (low resistance) |
| Powdery mildew susceptibility: | 3 points (low resistance) |
| Winter hardiness: | Low frost resistance (-18...-20°C) |
| Pruning length: | mixed / Guyot |
| Recommended rootstocks: | SO 4, 41 B |
| Clusters and berries | |
| Bunch shape: | conical, winged |
| Bunch density: | medium |
| Average bunch weight: | 196,5 g |
| Berry shape: | oval |
| Berry skin color: | white |
| Average berry weight: | 2,73 g |
| Seed development: | seeded |
| Flesh texture: | juicy |
| Sugar content: | 19,26% |
| Total acidity: | 7,42 g/l |
| Flavor type: | Muscat |
| Ampelographic overview |
General Characteristics
Kristalen is a white wine grape variety of Bulgarian selection. It was bred at the Institute of Agriculture and Seed Science "Obraztsov Chiflik" in 1996 by crossing the parental pair Pamid Ruse 1 × Kailashki Misket. The variety belongs to the mid-ripening period. The total duration of the vegetative period from budburst to technological maturity is about 150 days. In the Ruse region, harvesting begins around September 5. The plants feature vigorous growth and stable productivity.
The average bunch weight is 196.5 grams. The berry is white, oval, weighing 2.73 grams with dimensions measuring 14.53 × 13.51 mm. The pulp is fleshy and juicy. The flavor is harmonious with a pronounced muscat undertone. The Kristalen grape variety accumulates 19.26% of sugars with a titratable acidity level of 7.42 g/l. The harvest is resistant to shattering on the vines. The grapes possess high transportability.
Viticultural Features
The bushes develop successfully on phylloxera-resistant rootstocks SO4 and Chasselas × Berlandieri 41B. Under the mid-standard Guyot system with a planting density of 2.50 × 1.20 meters, the yield exceeds 12 tons per hectare. Introducing drip irrigation systems on large training forms like Moser or Ombrella allows for an increased harvest. The variety features increased resistance to low winter temperatures within the limits of Vitis vinifera. Frosts below -18...-20 °C damage the buds, but the plants demonstrate high regenerative capacity.
Resistance to diseases is medium. Preventive sprayings against downy mildew and powdery mildew are carried out in a limited volume, exclusively under conditions of prolonged high moisture. The variety is recommended for commercial viticulture in zones suitable by climate for mid-ripening wine varieties.
Winemaking and Product Characteristics
The grapes serve as raw material for the production of dense, full-bodied white wines with a harmonious balance of alcohol and acidity. The finished products have a clean fruit-and-muscat profile. The technological properties of the must also allow for its use in obtaining high-quality brandy distillates.