The 'Portugalka' variety (Blauer Portugieser) was created by crossing the varieties 'Mala modrina' and 'Zeleni silvanec' in the area of today's Slovenia. It is spread also in Austria, Germany, France, Hungary. In Slovenia it is currently grown at about 13,0 hectares, out of which 11,7 hectares are in the wine-growing region of Posavje, and the remaining 1,3 hectares in the wine-growing region of Podravje. The 'Portugalka' variety has been most preserved in the wine-growing region of Bela krajina, where on 7,2 hectares there are 30496 vines planted. The variety is not susceptible to the soil type, it tolerates drought well and is recommended to be planted in the south-facing sites. It is sensitive to peronospora (Plasmopara viticola Berl. et de Toni) and oidium (Uncinula necator (Schwein) Burrill). For the 'Portugalka' variety a single guyot training system is recommended. The variety produces high yields of grapes. In the phenological stage the beginning of ripening 40-50% thinning of grapes is recommended, which contributes to a better grapes quality and production of premium wine. The technological maturity of the grapes can be described with an average sugar value of 75 °Oe, total acids content amounting to 5,87 g/l and pH 3,36. The wine has an average of about 11,0 vol. % alcohol, total acids 6,46 g/l and pH 3,65. The 'Portugalka' variety is produced as a young wine of a quality class, but most often it is included in blends.
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