Madrasa ( az, 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, 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.
[J. Robinson ''Jancis Robinson's Guide to Wine Grapes'' pg 104 Oxford University Press 1996 ]
Origins and specifics
Madrasa is indigenous to the village of
Madrasa, located in
Shamakhi Rayon
Shamakhi District ( az, Şamaxı rayonu) is one of the 66 districts of Azerbaijan. It is located in the east of the country and belongs to the Mountainous Shirvan Economic Region. The district borders the districts of Quba, Khizi, Gobustan, H ...
, Azerbaijan.
This variety falls into the sweet grape category. It is claimed that Madrasa was grown as early as the 15th century. 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.
Wines
During the
crushing and fermentation, 50% of the spirit is recovered. Widely sold "Giz Galasi" (''
Maiden Tower''), "Yeddi Gozal" (''
Seven Beauties''), "Gara Gila" and "Naznazi" wines are made from Madrasa.
[ "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.]
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
*Agh Shani
Agh Shani ( az, Ağ şanı) (also known as Agh Shany or White Shani) is a light yellow-skinned white table grape that have also been exported and are grown in various regions of Azerbaijan and in Derbend, Astrakhan and Volgograd, Russia.
Origi ...
References
{{Wines
Red wine grape varieties