Researchers found that even a few millennia BC people were engaged in winemaking in the territory of Abkhazia. The evidence of this is the many objects found, for example, a certain number of jugs in which there were seeds of grapes. The capital of Abkhazia is now called Sukhum. However, in those days when she was called Dioskuriad, she was considered the center of winemaking. Semi-sweet wines were made in Dioscuriad, which were delivered to Ancient Rome.
In the post-Soviet space, Crimean and Georgian alcoholic drinks are valued. However, it is worth noting that Abkhaz alcoholic drinks also have a very good reputation, deserved for years. Abkhazia is a small country. However, despite this, it has a certain status in the wine industry.
Climate and features of the Abkhaz grape varieties
If we talk about the climate of Abkhazia, then it is considered unfavorable in order to grow grapes. After all, there is a large amount of rainfall, as well as high humidity and temperature. Due to this climate, when growing grapes, one has to deal with problems such as cracking berries and damage to fungal diseases. For these reasons, Abkhazia is mainly engaged in the cultivation of only two grape varieties:
- Isabella - a variety of red, American;
- Tsolikouri is a white variety, Abkhazian.
There is such a thing as an indigenous grape variety. What is he like? This is a grape variety that shows its best qualities when grown in Abkhazia. The most famous indigenous varieties of Abkhazia are considered Auasyrhua and Kachich, but they are not planted for industrial purposes.
Features and traditions
The soil in Abkhazia is very diverse, so the vineyards are located both on the plains and on the hillsides and even on the Black Sea coast. People living in this country perceive winemaking as a kind of hobby. However, industrial production of alcohol appeared in the 20s of the 20th century.
In Abkhazia, wines are divided into two categories, each of which has its own characteristics. “Women's” drinks have a sweet taste and no less sweet aroma. “Men's” wines are characterized by astringent and enveloping taste sensations.
If you want to taste the true traditional product of Abkhazia, you will have to ask for a visit to the Abkhazians. To make wines, local winemakers still use family traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Such drinks are characterized by lightness in taste, freshness and depth of aroma.
Names of wines of Abkhazia
If you are lucky enough to be in Abkhazia, in addition to the fact that you will get a great opportunity to recharge your batteries from nature and relax on the beach by the sea, you will get a unique opportunity to taste traditional wine.
The most famous red wines of Abkhazia are made from Isabella grapes. Abkhazians also love white. However, it is produced less than red wines. The most popular red and white wines of Abkhazia are given in the table.
Title | Color | View | Used grape varieties | Fortress | First batch year |
"Chegem" | red | dry | Cabernet | 10-12% | 2002 |
"Radeda" | red | dry | Isabel | 10-12% | 2002 |
Escher | red | semi-dry | Isabella + other red varieties | 9-11% | 2002 |
Amra | red | semi-dry | A mixture of several grape varieties, mainly European | 9-11% | 2002 |
Achandara | red | sparkling | Isabel | 11-13% | 1981 |
Apsny | red | semisweet | Cabernet, Merlot and Saperavi | 9-11% | 1970 |
"Lykhny" | red | semisweet | Isabel | 9-11% | 1962 |
"Bouquet of Abkhazia" | red | dessert | Isabel | 16 % | 1929 |
"Dioscuria" | white | dry | selected varieties of white grapes | 10-12% | 2002 |
Anacopia | white | semi-dry | Riesling and the Rkatsiteli | 9-11% | 1978 |
Psou | white | semisweet | Sauvignon, Riesling and Aligote | 9-11% | 1962 |
"Lykhny"
The Abkhazian wine “Lykhny” has considerable popularity. This is red semisweet alcohol. For its manufacture, only one type of grape is used - Isabella. The composition of the wine "Lykhny":
- natural alcohol with a strength of 9-11%;
- natural sugar from berries;
- Isabella grapes (100%).
A similar product acquired the title "Prince of Wine Drinks" due to its unique velvet taste and aroma, causing an association with strawberries. "Lykhny" was popular among noble people during the Soviet era. Therefore, it can often be observed at various events of Mikoyan and Brezhnev, which proves the special value of such a product. Such a drink can also often be seen at solemn Abkhaz events.
"Lykhny" is usually served with fruit slices and meat dishes. The wine opens perfectly due to proper serving.
The strength is 9-11%, the volume of the bottle is 0.75 liters. It is recommended to cool the wine to 16-18 degrees before serving. The cost of Lykhny is acceptable and is approximately $ 8.5.
Name History
The wine got its unusual name in honor of the famous wine-growing region of Abkhazia, which is characterized by unique climate features. Previously, only wild grape varieties grew in this area, but after a while the American variety Isabella was brought here, which is very suitable for local soil. After some time, the variety Isabella crossed with an indigenous grape variety, which was the reason for the creation of a unique variety.
Without exaggeration, it can be argued that such a wine is created for taste pleasure and deserves respect from consumers. Many people think that Lykhny is ideal for a romantic evening.
"Bouquet of Abkhazia"
Wine "Bouquet of Abkhazia" is a red dessert wine. For its manufacture, the Isabella variety is used. 140 grams of sugar are added per liter of alcohol. The wine has a velvety taste with a pronounced cherry aftertaste, and notes of fruit are heard in the smell. An important characteristic of this product is its dark pomegranate color. After all, it was because of him that the drink acquired a second name - “black wine”.
The best complement to this drink is a dessert dish, as well as sliced fruits. In Abkhazia, the local population offers to drink “Bouquet of Abkhazia” for foreigners to speak Abkhazian. The strength of the wine is 16%. Volume - 0.7 liters. The price ranges from $ 15 to $ 20.
Reviews
To the surprise of such a fault of Abkhazia, the reviews are negative. They are justified by the fact that such alcohol is not inherent in a characteristic aftertaste in principle, and the characteristic taste of Isabella is not felt at all. It is strange that the Abkhazians themselves are not particularly keen to use the “Bouquet of Abkhazia”. They say that it is characterized by a rough taste and a heavy aftertaste, as well as the smell of alcohol.
What are the proud manufacturers of the “Bouquet of Abkhazia” proud of?
The product is produced by the company “Wines and Waters of Abkhazia”, which owns a certain number of winery factories, some of which are exclusively engaged in the production of the “Abkhazia Bouquet”.
For the first time, a bottle of the “Bouquet of Abkhazia” was made in 1929. During the Soviet Union, wine received many awards, including abroad. One of the most important awards is the bronze medal (2001), received at the international competition “Drinks Industry 2001”, which was held in Moscow. No less important award is the gold medal (2000), received at the international exhibition “Wine. Vodka. Tobacco ”, which took place in Sochi.
Apsny
Another popular wine of Abkhazia is Apsny. It is a semi-sweet red table wine, the preparation of which requires three varieties: Cabernet, Merlot and Saperavi. Due to the merger of the three varieties, the taste becomes unique. A distinctive feature is the presence of sweet-tart taste sensations, there are also notes of blackcurrant berries, the drink is quite saturated. The wine has an unimaginable aroma and color depth.
The delicate taste of the drink is obtained solely thanks to the technology of preparation. After all, wine is classified as natural sweet varieties, therefore, it does not contain any additives. At the end of October, the picking of berries begins, since it is at this time that they reach their maximum sugar content.
Before serving, the wine must be cooled to 16-18 degrees and served in classic glasses. Apsny will complement meat dishes, especially fried meat, cheese slices, hot dishes, homemade cakes, chocolate desserts and fruit slices. It is recommended to serve chilled.
The strength is 9-10%. After opening, it is recommended to store the drink in the refrigerator for a day. The cost of such a drink is about $ 15.
What are Apsny wine producers proud of?
Winemakers say that Apsny, along with Lykhny, is considered a symbol of a feast in Abkhazia. This is a kind of pride of the Abkhazians. If we talk about the name of this product, then in translation it means "country of the soul." The first batch was produced in 1970.
Apsny producers have something to be proud of. After all, their offspring in 2001 at the Moscow International Forum received a gold medal, and this is not the only award. By the way, such alcohol is produced at the Sukhumi winery. An interesting fact is that the man with the wine horn depicted on the Apsny label is not just an artist’s invention, but an image of a relic found on the territory of Abkhazia.
Psou is the perfect drink
Psou wine in Abkhazia is considered quite common. It is a white semisweet drink made from three types of grapes: Sauvignon, Riesling and Aligote. Elite alcohol production is not an easy task. However, in Abkhazia a certain principle was revealed that allows you to get wine with an unusually delicate bouquet of floral aromas and moderately sweet taste. Psou has a delicate fruity taste and floral aroma. The color is light straw and without any impurities.
The drink will perfectly complement meat dishes, such as kebabs, game, and is also suitable for fish dishes and desserts, like many other wines, it will make a good duet with fruit and cheese cuts. It is recommended to cool before serving.
If we talk about the technology itself, then grapes are selected for production and the berries are passed through a press. Thanks to this technology, berries are crushed while maintaining the integrity of the seeds. This is very important, because when crushing the seeds, a tart aftertaste appears. The resulting juice is poured into barrels made of oak, and left for about two weeks for fermentation. After the expiration of the term, the drink is brought to perfect condition by cleaning and mixing.
Back in 2003, Psou received a gold medal at the exhibition of Kuban wines. Such alcohol is the owner of two silver medals that were won at the world exhibition of tasting wines.
Fortress - 9-11%. Volume - 0.75 liters. The price is approximately $ 8.5.