The red grape variety originates from Ukraine, the name means "Black Doctor"; the vine was allegedly introduced by a Russian doctor at the end of the 19th century. Synonyms are Echim Kara, Ekim Qara and Ukjm Kara.
The parentage is unknown. It must not be confused with the Kefessiya variety (Doktorsky Chernyi = also Black Doctor).
The late-maturing vine is susceptible to powdery and downy mildew. The wine is mostly used in blends with the Cevat Kara variety in sweet, fortified wines such as the branded wine Tschorny Doktor or in products from the famous Massandra state winery on the Crimean peninsula.
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