Madrasa (grape)

Madrasa (Azerbaijani: Mədrəsə, also known as Matrassa and Madrasi) is a pink-skinned red grape variety cultivated in the southern Caucasus at least since the nineteenth century,[1] in particular in Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as several Central Asia countries. Most plantings of Madrasa are found near the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan and Armenia.[2]

Madrasa
Mədrəsə
Grape (Vitis)
Color of berry skinPink
Also calledMatrassa
Notable regionsMədrəsə village of Shamakhi, Goygol, Samukh, Gabala raions, Ganja, Azerbaijan
Notable winesMadrasa
VIVC number7514

Origins and specifics

Madrasa is indigenous to the village of Madrasa, located in Shamakhi Rayon, Azerbaijan.[3] This variety falls into the sweet grape category.[4] It is claimed that Madrasa was grown as early as the 15th century.[5] In the beginning of the 20th century, the Madrasa variety was brought to the Ganjabasar region of Azerbaijan. The vines are midsize, and have strong roots and sharp leaves. The grapes are round and thick-skinned. Madrasa grapes mature in the beginning of September in Shamakhi, and in August in Ganja. The concentration of sugar ranges from 23-24% in Shamakhi and 20-21% in Ganja.[6]

Wines

During the crushing and fermentation, 50% of the spirit is recovered.[7] Widely sold "Giz Galasi" (Maiden Tower), "Yeddi Gozal" (Seven Beauties), "Gara Gila" and "Naznazi" wines are made from Madrasa.[3] "Xan Madrasa" red table wine produced by Vinagro is made by fermentation of Madrasa grape juice. The grapes are grown in Goygol and Samukh districts of Azerbaijan, and squashed for juice. The wine is then stored for two years. Its alcoholic content is 9-14%. Xan Madrasa was awarded 2 gold and 1 bronze medals at the International Wine Contest of Monde Selection.[8]

Synonyms

Various synonyms have been used to describe Matrassa and its wines, including Chirai, Chirai kara, Kara Chirei, Kara Chirai, Kara Schirai, Kara Scirai, Kara Scirei, Kara Shirai, Kara Shirei, Madrasa, Matrasa, Matrasse, Sevi shirai, Shirai, Shirai kara, Shirei, Shirei kara and Sirei.

See also

References
  1. A. Kalantaryan, ed., Wine in Traditional Armenian Culture, Yerevan, 2005, p. 245 ISBN 99941-2-000-X
  2. J. Robinson Jancis Robinson's Guide to Wine Grapes pg 104 Oxford University Press 1996 ISBN 0-19-860098-4
  3. Arzu Aghayeva (Autumn 2000). "Seeds of Change. Transition in Azerbaijan's Agriculture". Azerbaijan International. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
  4. "MEYVƏ VƏ TƏRƏVƏZİN ƏMTƏƏŞÜNASLIĞI" [Marketing of fruits and vegetables] (PDF). p. 99. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
  5. "Shemakha (Samaxi)". Retrieved 2010-12-28.
  6. "АТЛАС: МАТРАСА" [Atlas:Madrasa]. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
  7. "TÜND VƏ DESERT ŞƏRABLARIN İSTEHSAL TEXNOLOGİYASI" [Dark and dessert wines production technology]. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
  8. "Vinagro. Xan Madrasa". Retrieved 2010-12-28.
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