General information
Rondo is a vigorously growing grape variety that was crossed in 1964 by Professor Kraus in the Czech Republic from Zarya Severa × St. Laurent. Further breeding took place at the Geisenheim Research Institute by Professor Becker, after which the variety was officially included in the catalogue of varieties in 1997. Rondo is now grown in Rheinhessen, the Palatinate, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Great Britain, among other countries. Its deep color and aromatic power make it a popular grape in blends with classic red varieties.

Grape
The grapes are large and color well. The clusters are compact, with medium-sized berries that ripen early, making the variety suitable for cooler climates and shorter seasons.

Resistance

• Peronospora (downy mildew): ++
• Oidium (powdery mildew): ++
• Botrytis (gray mold): ++

Note: Crop protection against powdery mildew remains necessary (e.g., sulfur treatments). Rondo is not resistant to chlorosis and requires attention to magnesium supply.

Wine
Rondo produces a wine with a deep ruby ​​red color, sometimes with purple hues. The aroma is mildly acidic, full-bodied, and rich in fruit notes ranging from sweet cherries to wild berries. Because of its strong color, Rondo is often used in blends, but with proper care, it also makes a powerful varietal wine. At higher yields, the grape is also very suitable for rosé wines.

Cultivation advice
Rondo grows very vigorously, with drooping, densely leafy shoots. This growth habit requires extra care with foliage. The variety is sensitive to late frosts due to its early budding. In some years, flowering failure and stem rot can occur. A well-ventilated location and proper care are therefore essential for a stable yield and healthy plants.

Preparing the vine
Due to its vigorous growth, the plant requires a little more care than other varieties, but it rewards this with high yields and intensely colored grapes. The bunch attachment is strong, and the plant is well-suited for pruning with good aeration.

Ground preparation

• On calcareous soil: improve with lava grit
• On sandy soil: improve with bentonite and lava flour

Planting out
Soak your vine in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows it to soak up some water before planting.

Plant between May 1st and 15th. Use a soil auger or spade to dig a planting hole 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. Insert the graft just above the ground, so that the vine protrudes 5 to 10 cm above the ground.

Planting distance

• In line: 1 meter
• Between rows: 1.5 to 1.8 meters