Characterization and Clonal Selection of Serbian Autochthonous Variety Prokupac (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract

The first reported occurrence of Vitis vinifera in Balkan dates in the Neolithic period in the form of wild grape. Early traces of viticulture and winemaking in the territory of Serbia are vessels from the Iron Age (~ 400 BC) and the Bronze Age (~ 200 BC). Over the last few decades, interest in autochthonous varieties in Serbia is constantly increasing, especially for growing native varieties, such as Prokupac, Smederevka, Tamjanika and Bagrina. Prokupac is the most important Serbian autochthonous red wine variety (the first written records about growing Prokupac in Serbia date from 12th century), well adapted to the ecological conditions of its birthplace with corresponding phonological features. When compared with germplasm representing the classical ecogeographic grouping of grapevine cultivars, Prokupac is clustered within the Convar pontica subconvar balcanica taxon, supporting his indigenous origin. The main objective of this work is to present characterization of the Prokupac variety by means of ampelographic and molecular analysis, as well as grape and wine chemical characteristics. Long-term cultivation in diverse ecological conditions has caused the Prokupac to become a mixture of clones (genotypes). Therefore in order to preserve and improve autochthonous grapevine varieties in Serbia, work on variety clonal selection was initiated and till now, 12 clones of Prokupac were already identified and recognized. The most important features of these clones will be also presented.