Comparison of Aletta and Bianca grape varieties in Hungary

LIn recent years there has been an increasing interest in growing grapes in ecologically friendly and organic viticulture. The Research Station of Viticulture and Enology in Eger has introduced several interspecific cultivars free from an undesired off flavour by crossing American Vitis species with traditional European Vitis vinifera. This cultivar is the result of crossing Muscat Ottonel with Seyve-Villard 12375. In this paper a new resistant hybrid, ‘Aletta’ was evaluated during the registration process. The evaluation was performed within the period of 2005-2009 in several production sites in Hungary. ‘Aletta’ was compared to ‘Bianca’ cultivar. ‘Aletta’ showed about 50% more yield but was distinguished by lower sugar content. Wine acidity was not significantly different from ‘Bianca’. In sensory evaluation ‘Aletta’ achieved better scores. The wine had harmonious acid composition and muscat flavour. Vine is vigorous but spur pruning is recommended because of the big cluster weight and high bud fertility. The intemodes are long and the canopy is loose that results an easier canopy management. Since ‘Aletta’ was registered in 2009 its vineyard surface has reached 1300 hectares in Hungary