The objective of this study was to characterize the phenology and the production of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' and 'Tannat' (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes produced in a subtropical climate for red winemaking. The experimental area was located in a commercial vineyard belonging to the Intervin® Winery, in Maringá, PR. The grapevines were trained in a pergola system in a 4.0 x 1.5 m spacing, grafted on 'IAC 766 Campinas' rootstock. The evaluations started from the pruning held in late winter during four crops (2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006). For assessments, 20 representative grapevines were used of each variety. The phenology of the plants was evaluated as the duration in days, as well it was estimated the production and productivity of each variety. The ripening development was determined by the analysis of berries chemical characteristics, such as pH, total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA). It was determined that the average cycle of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' was 130.3 days, while the 'Tannat' was 131.3. The production per plant and productivity average estimates were 4.5 kg and 8.9 t ha-1, respectively for 'Cabernet Sauvignon' and 7.3 kg and 12.1 t ha-1, respectively for 'Tannat'. The mean levels of pH, TSS and TA were 3.3, 14.5 ºBrix and 1.1% tartaric acid respectively, for 'Cabernet Sauvignon', and 3.3, 17.7 ºBrix and 1.1% tartaric acid respectively for 'Tannat'.
Vitis vinifera; pruning; cycle; maturation; wine
