Some connoisseurs of a noble drink, of course, will say that only products made in the French province of the same name can be called real cognac. But the Shabo cognacs, according to many experts, also have a right to exist. In addition, they have a centuries-old history, which we will talk about in our material.
Cognac "Shabo". Historical section
A company called "Shabo" is located in the village of the same name in the Odessa region in Ukraine. An interesting fact is that the first vineyards in this fertile region were planted by the Greeks, and about five centuries ago, some varieties were imported by the Turks. This was done because, back in the old days, people determined unmistakably that this area is perfectly suited for the cultivation and cultivation of vines, and then for the production of good wine from berries.
Settlement Colony
More than two centuries ago, Tsar Alexander the First ordered the establishment of a colony of immigrants of French and Swiss origin in these places. Among the inhabitants of the settlement was Louis Tardan, a talented winemaker who planted here European grape varieties that are best suited for making fine wine. And later, Shabo cognacs began to be made from this raw material.
Name history
Places where the Swiss resettled were called Asha Abag from ancient times, which means “Lower Gardens” in Turkish (and vineyards, by the way, were called gardens at that time). The word Shabag was unpronounceable for the settlers and gradually transformed into Chabot, with an emphasis on the last letter (in the French manner, since the last consonants are not pronounced in this language). And so it turned out the name of the settlement, which gave the name and drink later. Already in 1788, in the cartographic material, the place of Shabo was mentioned as a region of viticulture. This date is considered to be the year of the founding of Shab cognacs and wines.
Modern history
Cognac "Shabo" - a national brand. He went from a small factory to a huge and extensive network of companies. A special rise in the production and sale of products was noted in the 21st century. Since 2003, the company has been increasing investments in its own agricultural bases, fixed assets of production, equipment modernization. At the current plant, high-tech and modern equipment operates, and highly qualified professional specialists monitor the production. All products meet high European quality standards. Six bottling lines work. And the company owns 1000 hectares of land on which beautiful vineyards are planted, giving an annual stable harvest.
Sales increase
In recent years, thanks to skillful marketing, Ukrainian Shabo cognac has become popular in many countries. Drink lovers like its original taste and excellent distillation quality, soft aroma tones and pleasant deep color. This is a combination of ancient winemaking traditions and super-modern technology. And in sales, which have recently increased by 300 percent, the company is the undisputed leader in its industry.
Enterprise Products
Back in Soviet times, the potential of the Shabo plant was very powerful. And in 2004, Shab wine appeared additional cellars-storage, cooper parks, which have an area of more than 10 thousand square kilometers. The assortment of products is high: ordinary and unique wines, sherry, grape vodka, vermouth, and, of course, these famous strong drinks!
Cognacs
Cognac "Shabo" 3 stars VS. Its composition includes high-quality French cognac spirits of aging of different times. The youngest of the alcohols is three years old. It was aged in oak barrels. And the most adult is ten. White flowers and tones predominate in the rich taste and aromatic bouquet of the drink; velvety is present. The taste is round and mature, it emphasizes the complexity of the blend. And the aftertaste is pleasant and lasting. Such a noble drink is enjoyed by many connoisseurs of the French quality of spirits and the wealth of blending.
Cognac "Shabo" 4 stars "Shabsky". It is made using classic French technology from cognac spirit, which is aged in oak barrels for 4 years. The drink has a noble color scheme, the finest bouquet with hints of vanilla, soft, rich taste and aroma.
Cognac "Shabo" 5 stars VSOP. It is made from grape varieties Rkatsiteli and Aligote. Alcohols of five years are mainly aged, but older ones are also present in the blend - ten-year-olds. The color scheme is rich and rich, with hints of amber. Cognac has a delicate aroma of flowers: peony, violet, jasmine. Taste - with notes of chocolate and vanilla. Long aftertaste. VSOP is recommended for use with hard cheese, desserts and dark chocolate.
XO 10 years and Reserve 20 years - luxury masterpieces of alcohol art, created from the assembly of cognac spirits of the corresponding exposure. Possess tones of needles and hazelnuts, almonds and cinnamon in a harmonious combination with the colors of the fields.
Cognac "Shabo" 1788. This drink was named after the opening of the winery. Grape varieties - Aligote and Rkatsiteli. Blend - alcohols of various years in aging, high quality and taste. The aroma of fruit and cigars. Long aftertaste of dark chocolate and soft vanilla. Recommended for use with dark chocolate, a cigar, desserts. This cognac is also used for all kinds of cocktails and mixes.
Cognac "Shabo". Reviews
The price of Ukrainian brandy is more than affordable. And in many ways this determines the reviews about him. For many lovers of good brandy, this is truly pleasing: for an inexpensive price, you can buy and enjoy a real work! So, in the homeland of production, it is 80-130 hryvnia, which in terms of y. e. is three to five dollars per half-liter bottle. Reserve 20 years costs a little more - from 10 dollars. Which, according to brandy fans, is also very inexpensive. This is a great birthday present. If you are supposed to have a friendly conversation and a sweet table, the Shabo cognacs can be a pleasant addition to the conversation. Some tasters note a slightly harsh alcoholic taste in the 3-star Shabo cognac. But, most likely, the whole point is in the correct use: after pouring the drink into a wide glass, you need to keep it a little open to open. Then (by the way, and with a little heating, for example, in the palms of your hands) "Shabo" will show its true taste and aroma. And the 5-star product, according to consumers, is generally beyond praise. There is no typical bitterness, and the aftertaste and smell are very pleasant, grape. Tip: in no case do not freeze it in the refrigerator, like vodka. This will lead to disharmony, and the drink may seem poor in taste. In any case, with the right method of use, even the young three-star Shabo brandy will seem a worthy analogue of the more expensive French counterparts, as it is made using similar technology, clearly controlled by cognac masters. Have a nice drink!