Dhelpërak

Dhelpërak
Grape (Vitis)
Color of berry skinPink
SpeciesVitis vinifera
Also calledRrush dhelpre
Origin Albania
Notable regionsMany regions
Notable winesRosé wine
Breeding instituteIKPFV
Formation of seedsSeeded
VIVC number23799

Dhelpërak (lit. 'Fox grape'), also spelled Dhelparak, is an indigenous grape variety traditionally cultivated in both northern and southern Albania. The variety produces pink berries and is cultivated for fresh consumption as well as for the production of rosé wines and distilled beverages.

The grape is listed in the Albanian Genebank grapevine repository under accession code AGB3472.[1]

Ampelography

Dhelpërak is traditionally grown on pergolas and trellises. In southern Albania, it is found in Skrapar, Tepelenë, Gjirokastër and Përmet, while in the north it is cultivated in the lower highlands of Pukë and Mirditë.

The grapes ripen from late August to mid-September, with harvesting occurring between 25 August and 15 September. At maturity, the fruit contains approximately 19–20% sugar and 5–5.3 g/L of tartaric acid.[2]

This variety produces small, round, light red berries measuring approximately 9 mm in diameter, arranged in compact clusters about 8 cm in length.[3]

Usage

Dhelpërak is a multipurpose grape. It is consumed fresh and traditionally used in the production of rakia, brandy and, to a lesser extent, rosé wine.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Ex Situ Collection Inventory". Inventari i Burimeve Gjenetike Bimore. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
  2. ↑ Susaj, Lush (2024). "Identifikimi i Kultivarëve dhe i Ekotipeve të Hardhisë përmes Metodës Deskriptive dhe Skedës Ampelografike" (PDF). Vreshtaria dhe Verëtaria në Hapësirën Mbarëshqiptare. Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë: 78.
  3. ↑ Këllezi, Dajana; Kukali, Edlira; Ismaili, Hairi (September 2016). Regionalization of Indigenous Grape Cultivars in Albania (PDF). Canadian Conference on Global & International Studies 2016. p. 31. ISBN 978-0-9951985-4-8.