Alibernet – A dark-colored wine with aromas of black currant and a spicy finish
About
Entered in the State Register of Grape Varieties in 1975.
This variety was bred in the Ukranian Scientific Research Institute for Wine and Vines in Odessa. In that area it goes by the name Odesskij čornyj (Black). Alibernet is grown more widely in Slovakia, where in warmer conditions it can achieve a quality of particulary good kabinet levels. It is a crossing of Alicante Bouschet x Cabernet Sauvignon.
Grapes have a high acidity level, especially in harvests of poor vintages.
Growth is vigorous, leaves medium, five-lobed, of an intense green hue which in autumn becomes deep red. Bunches are large, wide and sparse. Berries are of medium size, blueish-black with dark red flesh and juice. The flesh has a distinct Cabernet taste. Resistance to fungal diseases and frost is good. It requires the best positions, due to its late-ripening. Harvests are regular and high. Grapes have a high acidity level, especially in harvests of poor vintages.
It is an expressive red wine, somewhat southern in character.
The wine may well attain excellent quality and can be ample and round when coming from lower yields under warmer conditions. From higher yields it is thin, with less colour, and with an unpleasantly high level of acidity. With due attention given to the vineyard work it is possible to produce varietal wines. Otherwise it is a variety suitable for blends to which it imparts its colour and distinct Cabernety aroma.
Basic characteristics of quality wines:
Very dark red in appearance, aromatic substances are very much those of the Cabernet style. The wines are of medium to medium-full body or better, with high tannins which slowly ripen to a neutral smoothness. It is an expressive red wine, somewhat southern in character.
Translation © Helena & John Baker 2004.
