In Russia there is no better place for winemaking than the Krasnodar Territory, generously endowed by nature with an abundance of sun and heat, a mild climate and wonderful air saturated with volatile products.
In the village of Divnomorskoye, which is part of the resort area of Greater Gelendzhik, on the Black Sea, there are the most southern pictorial vineyards in the Kuban and the winery "Manor Divnomorskoye". The terroir is unique: vineyards are located on the seafront, surrounded by the famous pine Pitsunda pine forest on an extensive rocky plateau, sunny and hot, blown by the fresh sea wind.
Winery "Manor Divnomorskoe": description
The winery occupies approximately 30 hectares. The basis for the wines is created by 15 classic grape varieties. White varieties ("East Slope"): Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Saperavi, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat. Red varieties (“Western Slope”): Marcelan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah. Wine "Manor Divnomorskoe", a protected geographical name, is made from berries collected from vines brought from Italy from the Rauscedo nursery.
The winery is built from environmentally friendly materials, mainly from wood, and is equipped with modern equipment. It is located near the vineyards, organically blended into the landscape, being partially recessed in the side of the mountain.
Natural and climatic conditions of the village Divnomorskoe
All experts-oenologists (experts in wine production technology involved in the assessment of vineyards, water, soil and wine samples) agree that the characteristics of the terroir contribute to the creation of wines with a unique, rich and bright pattern.
In Divnomorskoye, although the hottest on the entire coast, but a mild climate, there is little rainfall. Rocky soils with a large amount of limestone, marl and crushed stone in their composition are ideal for placing vineyards. Dry soil stimulates the vine bushes to develop a powerful root system and protects the roots from pathogens of various diseases.
The pine forest, stretching from Divnomorsky for many kilometers in the direction of Janhot, creates a shield that naturally protects the vineyards from the piercing winds from the mountains. The winds blowing from the sea give unique properties to the grape harvest. They harden the vines, providing constant ventilation of the vine bushes with sea air.
There are no industrial facilities in the winery area; therefore, the ecological situation here is also favorable.
Features of wine production technology
The terrain on which the vineyards are located is such that all the work on them has to be done manually. The vines are planted on a slope breaking off to the sea, only a person can get to them.
To compensate for the lack of moisture in dry times, the vineyards are equipped with a drip irrigation system. The production halls of the ultramodern winery use the latest technology and equipment.
To prevent the oxidation of wine materials and the development of microflora on their surface during prolonged storage in production tanks, an inert gas, nitrogen, is used. The grapes are pressed on the acceptance line with the help of vacuum membrane presses, then they enter the closed stationary tanks of huge size made of stainless steel. The vinification process is hidden from prying eyes; it takes place in vats of various volumes under the strict control of the winery workers. In barrels of French and Caucasian oak, the organoleptic characteristics of the drink develop. To dry the grapes, a special room is equipped.
A distinctive feature of the production of white wines is that they are not aged in oak barrels.
Products of the brand "Manor Divnomorskoe"
The founding date of the winery is considered to be 2010, the first vintage was released in 2012, its presentation took place in the fall of 2013 in Moscow at the Baltschug Hotel, the second vintage was released in 2013 and presented in spring 2015.
The collection is represented by sixteen excellent varieties, including 6 white and 6 red dry wines, three types of sparkling and one white sweet wine. The range of wines “Manor Divnomorskoe” belongs to the category of protected appellation of origin. The range includes two assemblages ("East Slope" and "West Slope") and a number of monosortovye wines of classic varieties.
Each product name is produced and manufactured in strictly limited quantities - in batches of 3.5 to 20 thousand bottles per year. The label indicates the individual bottle number. The total production volume is more than 100 thousand bottles per year.
The price level (this is one of the most expensive Russian wines) is determined by the fact that they belong to the premium class, as well as the high cost of producing the drink. The winery is part of the Abrau-Durso holding, so you can purchase brand products in the company’s stores of this group of companies. Divnomorskogo wines are also presented in specialized boutiques, in restaurants with a high-quality wine list and in online stores selling alcoholic beverages.
Assortment of dry white wines
Characteristics of dry white wines of the Divnomorskoye 2012 series are presented in the table.
Name | Color | Scent | Taste | Aftertaste |
"Riesling" | straw green | fresh with notes of apricot and nectarine | balanced | sustainable with fruit tones |
Chardonnay | straw lemon | dominated by floral notes | bright | pleasant long |
Sauvignon Blanc | silver straw | elegant with hints of lavender and peach | fresh with a predominance of grapefruit | bright long |
Traminer | golden straw | bright with hints of rose, fruit and spices | intensive | honey |
Pinot Blanc | straw green | fresh flower and fruit | bright with dominant fruity notes | lung |
"East Slope" | yellow straw green | unobtrusive with nuances of flowers and exotic fruits | bright balanced | steady with the same notes |
Assortment of dry red wines
The table below shows the characteristics of dry red wines of the Divnomorskoye 2012 series.
Name | Color | Scent | Taste | Aftertaste |
Merlot | intense ruby purple | complex fruit-floral-spicy | light and elegant | coffee and nut |
Cabernet Sauvignon | ruby garnet | fresh with peppermint and hazelnut tones | elegant and graceful | light tobacco |
Pinot Noir | red pink | bright with hints of berries and white chocolate | harmonious | long binder |
Marcelan | red ink | flower and berry with notes of cocoa | intensive | nice blueberry |
"Syrah" | deep dark ruby | coffee and spices | complicated with the dominance of dried prunes | long coffee |
"Western slope" | ruby | fresh fruit mint chocolate | mineral fresh | spicy with tobacco and chocolate nuances |
Sparkling and sweet wines "Manor Divnomorskoe"
Champagne series "Russian White Extra Brut Aged 2012" has the characteristics shown in the table.
Name | Color | Scent | Taste | Aftertaste |
Blanc de Noir | flesh-colored | graceful bouquet | citrus fruit | long |
Blanc de Blanc | golden green | complex bouquet | harmonious with the dominance of acacia honey | elegant |
Grand Cuvee | golden straw | tropical fruits | tropical fruits | sustainable |
The only sweet white wine “Divnomorskoe 2014” is “Muscat Ottonel” of golden color, with a muscat aroma with hints of citrus and dried fruit and a long finish.
Wine "Manor Divnomorskoe": reviews
Unfortunately, due to the high price, these wines targeted at a premium audience are not available to ordinary consumers. Therefore, judging the quality of the products of a young brand does not have to be based on customer reviews on the Internet, but according to the estimates of professionals and true connoisseurs.
Despite the youth of the company, a member of the Abrau Durso group, wines have repeatedly won significant major tasting competitions, where judges are recognized international wine experts. World critics give high marks to the quality of Russian wine, Divnomorskoe Estate.
The corporate design of the outer packaging is sophisticated and stylish, which also indicates the high quality of the product. In the image of the logo there is a sea shell - rapana, and in a simple label design are used pictograms of clusters of grapes, waves and pines - the symbolism of the Black Sea coast.
Victories at prestigious tasting competitions
The first award was the bronze medal of the international wine competition International Wine Competition - 2014 in London, which was awarded the Chardonnay 2012 wine. Then there were four bronze awards at the International Wineand Spirits Competition - 2014 (Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Chardonnay 2012, Sauvignon Blanc 2012 and East Slope 2012), as well as a silver award at one of the most influential international competitions Decanter World Wine Awards - 2014 (wine "East Slope 2012"). At the competition “SVVR Cup-2015” within the framework of the All-Russian Summit of Winemakers, Syra 2013 and Marcelan 2013 were awarded gold medals.
Wines "Manor Divnomorskoe" invariably become winners and prize-winners of the prestigious international annual competition Mundus Vini, which is held in Germany:
- 2014 - seven gold medals (Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Traminer 2012, Riesling 2012, Pinot Blanc 2012, Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Chardonnay 2012 West Slope 2012) and one silver medal “East Slope 2012”);
- 2015 - gold (Blanc de Noir 2012);
- 2016 - gold and silver (Syrah 2013 and Grand Cuvee 2012 wines).