Viticultural Information
Sultana
Description
The earliest introduction (mid-1800s) of this misnamed variety was by a Mr. West, a Stockton nurseryman. It was distributed as "Sultana" under the mistaken impression that it was the variety from which the 'Sultana' raisins of commerce were produced. Colonel Agoston Haraszthy also imported the same variety from Spain in 1861. It probably was introduced into Europe from Asia Minor. It is described under the name 'Round Kishmish' in French ampelographies, and should not be confused with the true 'Sultanina' (Sultana) that we know as 'Thompson Seedless.' It was California's most important seedless raisin variety for a short period-until the introduction of 'Thompson Seedless.' "Sultana" production continued to increase until the mid-1920s (high of 29,750 tons in 1925), and then continually declined to a typical range of 125 to 319 tons annually as experienced in the 10 years from 1988 to 1977. In 1997, 183 acres were reported. The "Sultana" vine is vigorous and productive under cane pruning. Its sugar accumulation is inferior to that of 'Thompson Seedless,' however; it produces a less meaty and more reddish colored raisin. The berries are round, light green to amber yellow, and have only a light bloom, which gives them a more transparent apperance than 'Thompson Seedless.' Seed traces are often larger than those in 'Thompson Seedless.' The clusters are very large, compact, cylindrical, and havily shouldered. overall, as a raisin grape it is inferior to 'Thompson Seedless' and should not be planted.
Links
Foundation Plant Services at UC Davis is the source of Foundation grapevine material for the nursery industry, and the staff can provide information about possible sources for obtaining this stock. The National Grape Registry (NGR) contains information about varieties of wine, juice, and table grapes, raisins, and grape rootstocks available in the United States. Growers, nurseries, winemakers and researchers can find background information and source contacts for those grape varieties in this single convenient location.
Publications
Christensen, L.P. 2000. Raisin Grape Varieties (PDF). Pages 38-47 in: Raisin Production Manual. University of California, Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication 3393, Oakland, CA. Buy book
NGR Match
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