Ampelographic Evaluation of Several Grapevine Cultivars in Albania

Characterization, description and identification of grape varieties, knowledge of their behavior in relation to a specific environment, etc., have an immense importance for the sciences of ampelography and viticulture. Since 2005, researches have been launched in order to describe and characterize the autochthonous cultivars and ecotypes in central and north-eastern part of Albania. Here is presented the ampelographic characterization of seven autochthonous cultivars and ecotypes (Kallmet, Black Shesh, White Shesh, Red Tajga, White Tajga, Cëruja, and Manakuq) using the Descriptors of Grapevine of OIV (2001), UPOV (2008) and IPGRI (1997). Qualitative characteristics of each cultivar have remained unchanged over the years, as they depend on the genetic inheritance, while quantitative characteristics showed high variability, as they depend on cultivation practices, climate and soil conditions of a specific area. These cultivars and ecotypes continue to dominate the varietal structure of Albania's vineyards and pergolas and serve as a very important factor in the development of viticulture and winemaking, as well as in the development of rural tourism.