This study aimed to characterize the phenology and the production of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' and 'Alicante' (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes produced out of season in the north of Paraná State for red wine elaboration. The experimental area was located in a commercial property belonging to the Intervin® Winery, in Maringá, PR. The grapevines were trained in pergola system in a 4.0 x 1.5 m spacing, grafted on 'IAC 766 Campinas' rootstock. The evaluations started from the pruning of production, held in the end of January 2007 and 2008. 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 total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and maturity index (TSS/TA). It was determined that the average cycle of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' was 128 days, while the 'Alicante' was 131 days, what indicates that the cycle of both varieties are late for the north of Paraná. The production per plant and productivity estimates were 12.4 kg and 22.3 t.ha-1, respectively for 'Cabernet Sauvignon' and 11.9 kg and 19.8 t.ha-1, respectively for 'Alicante'. The mean levels of TSS, TA and TSS/TA were 19.2 °Brix, 1.8% tartaric acid and 11.6 respectively, for 'Cabernet Sauvignon', and 19.1 °Brix, 1.3% tartaric acid and 14.1 respectively for 'Alicante'. Both varieties show high yields and suitable chemical characteristics for processing when produced out of season in the North of Parana.
Grape; pruning; phenology; maturation; wine
