"Golden Beam" is a well-known sparkling wine producer located in the Crimea, in the Sevastopol region. It is believed that this is the oldest factory. It was founded in 1889, however, at that time still without a name. In terms of production, it is very large. 4.5 million bottles of sparkling wines go off the assembly line of the plant annually.
The vineyards of the agronomic company occupy 1,500 hectares, they grow the best wine varieties of berries that are suitable for the production of table and nutmeg wines.
Factory History
Despite the fact that the birth of ZB took place in 1889, the manufacturer officially got its name in 1921, when a state farm with the same name was created.
The owners of the farm were specialists of Massandra. They owned the technology for the accelerated production of sparkling wines.
In 1930, the plant was named "Profinter". The enterprise grew, so over time it included the nearby collective farms "Bolshevik" and "Kommunar." With the infusion of collective farms, the Zolotaya Balka agricultural firm was born.
In 1960, the economy was divided into 2 parts due to different specialization. One of them - "Massandra" - produced wines, and the second - "Golden Beam" - sparkling wines.
In 1968 a production complex was built. The mass production of sparkling wines using grapes from local plantations has begun. All vineyards are still preserved.
Champagne Methods
"Golden Beam" uses an acrathor method of manufacturing its products. That is, champagne is obtained in hermetically sealed tanks. The difference between fermentation in tanks and bottles is that in the first embodiment, the properties and taste of aromatic muscat wines are better preserved.
The French are sure that champagne in both cases provides the same biochemical composition, however, after the reservoir, the wine remains fresh.
The capacities of the acratophore park today allow to produce more than 500 thousand bottles. per month. The specialization of the plant today is sparkling wines. They are as frothy as champagne. The only difference is in the taste, which is directly related to the grape variety.
In addition to sparkling wines and champagne, the plant produces table and strong wine.
Champagne production did not stop even during the Second World War. During a shortage of water, champagne was delivered to the front line. His soldiers drank instead of water, military hospitals used to wash their wounds, and cooks cooked food on it.
Awards
The products of the Balka Zolotaya plant participated in many international wine-making contests and exhibitions, and there are many medals and awards in its piggy bank.
In 1995, the company was awarded about 100 awards.
Today, the agricultural firm has five large factories that produce champagne, wine and juices.
Grape varieties
The agricultural enterprise grows the following grape varieties:
- Sylvaner;
- Muscat Italy;
- Pinot Franc, Agadei;
- Traminer pink;
- Hamburger Muscat;
- Chardonnay;
- Early Magarach;
- Sauvignon;
- Karaburnu;
- Riesling Rhine;
- Cardinal.
The main variety for a long time is Aligote. It occupies 230 hectares of farming.
A tasting room is located in Balaklava , and anyone who wishes can come to a one and a half hour lecture with a tasting of ten wines by appointment.
"Golden Beam" plans to expand the assortment of champagne, which is produced in the usual classical way.
Factory Products
- Champagne "Golden Beam" white, brut.
For the production of white brutus 5 grape varieties are used. The strength is 11%. Champagne itself has a golden color with a greenish tint, the aroma of meadow herbs and spring flowers, a light refreshing taste. Beautiful foam and a chain of bubbles indicate the high quality of champagne.
This champagne can be served with fatty cheeses, poultry, seafood, black caviar, various light snacks.
Factory price: 288 rubles.
- Champagne "Golden Beam" semi-dry, white.
For its production, 7 grape varieties are used. Crystal clear champagne of straw color with a delicate honey-floral, fruity and peanut aroma. When pouring into glasses, light foam appears. Fortress - 11%.
This champagne can be served with almond cookies, low-fat fish, Japanese sushi, seafood.
Manufacturer's price: 283 rubles.
- Champagne "Golden Beam", white, semisweet.
8 grape varieties are used. Fortress - 11%. Golden champagne with sunflower aroma and mild flavor.
Served with all fruit desserts.
Manufacturer's recommended price: 283 rubles.
- Champagne "Golden Beam", red, semisweet.
6 grape varieties are used. Fortress - 11.5%. Despite the fact that champagne is red, its color is pale pink. The bouquet is rich. The notes of fruit liqueur, mushrooms, the aroma of flowers are felt. The rich taste of biscuit.
Red champagne "Golden Beam" is served with red meat dishes.
The price recommended by the manufacturer today: 392 rubles.
- Brut Chardonnay
Grape variety used: Chardonnay. Golden wine with a greenish tint. Fortress - 11%. The aroma feels spicy notes, complemented by a green apple and pineapple. The taste of the wine is very rich in garden and wild fruits. After a sip, a long aftertaste of violet remains.
It goes well with river fish, cheeses, light salads and cold snacks. The wine is also suitable for fasting, as an aperitif.
- Sparkling wine Golden Beam Brut Pinot.
Made from Pinot Fran grape variety. Fortress - 11-13%. The wine is a pale pink color with the aroma of fruits and flowers, pear and apple liqueur, mushrooms. Rich creamy taste of biscuit and fruit.
It is combined with sea delicacies, fish pies, caviar and poultry.
Reviews
Zolotaya Balka products have mostly positive reviews.
Champagne connoisseurs say that Zolotaya Balka drinks have no alcohol smell and taste, but they taste good grapes.
Champagne has a moderate amount of gas that does not hit the head, giving an instant effect of intoxication, and in the morning - a headache. Intoxication occurs slowly and gently, which allows you to drink champagne in large quantities, without fear for their behavior.
Many note the lack of chemical aftertaste, flavorings and flavor enhancers. Subtle and unobtrusive aroma, complete absence of headache in the morning. Easy to drink, pleasant aftertaste.
To date, the ratio of "price and quality" of the products in question has little competition. A number of awards confirm the high level of sparkling wines.