Such a craft as winemaking has been flourishing in Abkhazia for a long time. It is even believed that Abkhazian wines were produced before our era. Skillful traditions of wine making were passed from one generation to another; they can rightly be called centuries-old. Many grape varieties are grown only here, in places with a favorable subtropical climate. Abkhazian wine in each specific region of the country differs from wines in other provinces.
The individuality of the varieties is due to the fact that the species that were once imported into the country were mixed with local varieties, such as auasarhua, kachich, etc. As a result, we got such wines that are not produced anywhere else, although they bear the well-known and common names, for example: “Chhaveri”, “Isabella”, “Aligote”. Multiple excavations allow judging the antiquity of winemaking in Abkhazia. In their course,
clay vessels were found in which wine was placed for further fermentation. They were used about 8,000 years ago. Such wine-making traditions are still alive, however, this method is mainly used in the household.
A few words about technology
Abkhazian wines are now mass produced using the latest technology. Grapes, depending on the variety, occur from October to December. Next, the collected clusters are crushed and left in a wooden trough for 3-4 days for fermentation. After this, the contents are poured without any additives into barrels or ceramic amphoras for subsequent exposure. Abkhazian wines play a significant role in various festivities. For example, on New Year's Eve (celebrated according to the old Christian calendar from January 13 to January 14), from the evening of January 13, an amphora with wine is printed out, a tasty table is laid and a goat is necessarily cut. The variety of wine varieties in Abkhazia is amazing.
Each region of this country boasts its own variety. Most loved wine from the provinces of Lykhny, Garp and Achandara. Abkhazian wine can be bought anywhere in the world - it is so famous and popular. One of the factories involved in the industrial production of wine is the Sukhumi winery. In 1999, it was reconstructed and equipped with the latest equipment. Now it produces about 2.5 million bottles a year. Abkhazian wines regularly receive the highest awards at exhibitions of the Russian and international level. An excellent combination of price and quality helps them to remain in demand. Wine can be purchased both for a table and as a gift - for example, buy a wonderful bottle in a souvenir box made of persimmon wood.
Description of some Abkhazian wines
• “Lykhny” - semisweet red wine. Made from Isabella grapes since 1962 (it has a crepe. 9-11 degrees);
• “Radeda” - natural red dry wine produced from the Isabella grape variety (it has a strength of 10-12 degrees);
• "Escher" - a natural red semi-dry wine. It is made from Isabella and other red varieties (it has a strength of 9-11 degrees);
• "Bouquet of Abkhazia" - dessert red wine from the variety "Isabella" (has a strength of 16 degrees). It has been produced since 1929. All wines of Abkhazia are united by a unique taste, fresh and light aroma.