Abstract

 

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of bunches and berries, as well as the physicochemical properties of must, in five interspecific grapevine hybrids grown in the Banja Luka area: Bronner, Morava, and Muscaris (white cultivars), and Cabernet Cortis and Prior (red cultivars). Morphological characterization was performed according to the Prostoserdov method. Must quality assessments have included measurements of the total soluble solids (°Brix), the total titratable acidity (g/L), and pH using standard OIV (2024) procedures. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined according to Mazza et al. (1999). Cabernet Cortis and Muscaris exhibited the highest bunch mass and soluble solids content. The highest average berry mass was recorded in Morava (20.89 g), whereas Cabernet Cortis had the lowest values (15.33 g). The total titratable acidity and must pH were generally within acceptable oenological limits, except in Prior, which showed a slightly elevated pH. Phenolic evaluation across winemaking stages (must → wine after first racking → young wine) followed the expected trends for both red and white cultivars. The highest TPC was recorded in young Cabernet Cortis wine (1490.20 mg GAE/L), while Muscaris exhibited the lowest value (156.3 mg GAE/L). Overall, all cultivars under study have demonstrated satisfactory grape quality based on their morphological and physicochemical attributes.

 

Key words: Interspecific hybrid, Grape, Morphology, Physicochemical traits.