Midyat Zeynebi Grape

Midyat Zeynebi grape is a local table grape variety unique to the Midyat district of Mardin Province in Türkiye and belongs to the species Vitis vinifera L. Its name derives from the word “Zeynebi,” meaning “thin” and “delicate” in the local Arabic dialect spoken by the region’s inhabitants. This grape is distinguished by its long, cylindrical berries, which have a greenish-yellow skin and a delicate structure. Noted for its high juice yield and sweet taste, the Midyat Zeynebi grape is harvested from late July to late August.

Origin

The Midyat Zeynebi grape is a local table grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera L., unique to the Midyat district of Mardin Province. This product is protected under geographical indication and is known as “Zeynebi,” a term derived from the local Arabic dialect of the region, where it conveys the meanings of “thin,” “long,” and “delicate.” The physical form of the grape variety confirms this description.

Physical Characteristics

The Midyat Zeynebi grape is distinguished by its long, slender, cylindrical berries. The average berry length is 25.72 ± 0.32 mm and the width is 13.56 ± 0.42 mm. Each berry weighs approximately 2.70 ± 0.09 g. The skin color ranges from green to yellowish tones and is thin in texture. With a high juice yield of 90.50%, the seed length is 7.63 ± 0.05 mm and the seed width is 4.26 ± 0.01 mm. The pH value is 3.78 and the total acidity is 6 g/l. The maturity index has been determined at 33.66%.

Cultivation Conditions and Production Method

The production of Midyat Zeynebi grape is carried out exclusively from Zeynebi variety vines within the designated geographical boundaries. Planting is performed in late autumn or early spring. Seedlings are kept in a moist environment prior to planting and carefully placed in pits. These pits are 30–40 cm wide and 50–60 cm deep. In grafted seedlings, the graft union is left 3–5 cm above the soil surface. After planting, irrigation is applied to compact the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Soil cultivation is carried out three times annually—in autumn, spring, and summer—with the aim of enhancing water retention, improving aeration, suppressing weeds, and preserving moisture. No hormones or chemical substances are used in production; irrigation is limited exclusively to rainwater.

Pruning is conducted in two stages. Winter pruning encourages early ripening, while summer pruning is performed to enhance product quality.

Harvest and Storage

This grape is the first variety to reach maturity within the designated geographical area. The harvest period begins in the last week of July and continues until the last week of August. Fully ripe berries are harvested during the second half of August and immediately marketed for fresh consumption. Unripe grapes harvested in late July and the first half of August are stored in cold storage facilities at temperatures of 4–14 °C, in crates, for a period of one to two months. Harvesting is done by hand or with a knife, and the fruit is placed in wide containers to prevent damage.

Product Use

Due to its short shelf life, the Midyat Zeynebi grape is produced primarily for fresh consumption. Products stored in cold storage are also marketed for consumption under appropriate conditions.

Monitoring

Monitoring of the production, processing, marketing, and use of the Midyat Zeynebi grape is coordinated by the Midyat Municipality. The monitoring committee consists of three experts from the Midyat Municipality, the Midyat District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Midyat Chamber of Agriculture. Monitoring is conducted at least once annually and may be repeated in response to complaints or as deemed necessary. During inspections, compliance with production methods, use of the Zeynebi variety, seedling sourcing, soil cultivation, pruning, harvesting, and the correct use of the geographical indication name and emblem are examined. Where necessary, the product is subjected to physical and chemical analysis. Services for monitoring may be obtained from public or private institutions. The registering authority is responsible for managing legal procedures.

The Midyat Zeynebi grape, through its integration with the local climate, soil, and traditional production knowledge, acquires a unique character and is protected under geographical indication based on its place of origin.