Iğdır White Grape / Miskalı

Iğdır White Grape / Miskali is a geographical indication grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera L., cultivated for many years in the province of Iğdır. This grape variety was registered on 09.08.2021 under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769 for protection effective from 10.02.2020. The registering institution is the Iğdır Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The geographical boundary of the Iğdır White Grape / Miskali is the province of Iğdır. Due to its low elevation relative to surrounding highlands, particularly Mount Ağrı (5,137 m), the plain area of the province is not significantly affected by harsh continental climate conditions. This secluded location creates a microclimate within the Iğdır Plain, where the annual average temperature in the city of Iğdır is 11.6°C. The relative elevation of Iğdır, along with the influence of climate, soil, and vegetation, contributes to the grape’s higher juice content.

The physical and chemical properties of the Iğdır White Grape are as follows: Soluble dry matter (SDM) ranges from at least 18% to 19%. Titrateable acidity (expressed as tartaric acid) is at least 0.4% to 0.5%. Cluster weight is at least 550–600 grams. Must yield is at least 650–750 ml. Weight of 100 berries is at least 270–280 grams. pH value ranges from 4.10 to 4.20. Cluster length is at least 20–25 cm and cluster width is at least 16–18 cm. Berry length is at least 1.20 mm and berry width is at least 1.90 mm.

^{Iğdır White Grape (}Anadolu Agency⁾

• Orchard Establishment: Planting is carried out using rooted cuttings at spacing of 5×5 m or 4×5 m.
• Irrigation: Typically performed by surface irrigation.
• Fertilization: Manure is used to increase soil organic matter and preserve its physical structure. Commercial fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate are used as nitrogen sources; diammonium phosphate as a source of both nitrogen and phosphorus; and triple superphosphate as a phosphorus source.
• Pruning: In the initial years, vines are trained in the “guyot” system. In subsequent years, winter and summer pruning are performed on the trellises. During winter pruning, fruiting and renewal canes are retained to maintain productivity. Summer pruning is conducted to maximize sunlight exposure. Winter pruning is carried out in March–April; spurs are shortened to 3–4 buds and 8–10 canes are left on each spur. To protect the vines from cold during winter, they are covered with soil (hilling) and excavated in spring, followed by further pruning.
• Phenological Stages: In accordance with annual climatic variations, the phenological stages of the Iğdır White Grape / Miskali are as follows: budbreak occurs between 31 March and 14 April; full bloom between 27 May and 7 June; fruit set between 31 May and 11 June; berry drop between 1 June and 15 July; first harvest between 18 July and 4 August; final harvest between 18 September and 21 September; and leaf fall occurs during December.
• Harvesting: Harvesting is carried out progressively in accordance with phenological stages.

^{Growing Area of Iğdır White Grape (}Anadolu Agency⁾

Monitoring of the product is conducted by a monitoring body composed of one expert each from the Iğdır Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which coordinates the process, as well as the Department of Horticultural Crops at Iğdır University Faculty of Agriculture and the Iğdır Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Monitoring is carried out regularly once a year, as well as whenever necessary or upon complaint.

The monitoring body verifies compliance with the production method and the proper use of the designation “Iğdır White Grape / Miskali” and its origin emblem. During monitoring, experts from public or private institutions, or qualified individuals employed by such institutions, may be consulted or services may be procured. The registering entity is responsible for pursuing legal procedures to protect the rights.