There is probably no person who has never heard of champagne. Even the little ones know what is poured in the glasses of their parents on New Year's Eve. Most people take champagne for those sparkling wines that are in large numbers on store shelves. Labels are full of different names, among which you can sometimes find bottles with the inscription "Champagne" Lev Golitsyn "." Reviews about him are worth it to learn about them.
From the history of Russian winemaking
When it comes to champagne, many are immediately mentally transported to France. A bottle with an inscription in a foreign language appears before my eyes. For some reason, there is still an opinion that real champagne can only be French. However, in order to judge a drink, it needs to be known and understood. For example, few people have an idea of who Lev Sergeyevich Golitsyn is. Although it is worth noting that it was he who became the progenitor of modern Soviet champagne. By the way, there is a wine that bears his name: champagne “Lev Golitsyn”. Reviews of experts about him are the most positive.
Lev Sergeyevich in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was engaged in the study and production of the best wines in Russia. Bringing the process to perfection, he achieved the fact that some received a worthy assessment of experts in this field. So it was in 1895 in Bordeaux and in 1900 at the Paris exhibition, when his sparkling wine (champagne) received the Grand Prix and was named the best in the world. Golitsyn devoted winemaking his whole life and was even buried among his vineyards. But the best monument to him was the champagne “Lev Golitsyn”. Customer reviews note its excellent taste. A delicate bouquet with the smell of flowers and grapes in it harmoniously combines with subtle notes of piquant bitterness.
Varieties of the famous drink
As you know, champagne can only be called sparkling wine that is made in the French province of Champagne using special technology from certain raw materials. Currently, the concept of this term is slightly expanded. For example, in Russia there are several brands that are allowed to use the true name of this wine on labels. In addition, the international association approved only 7 grape varieties suitable for the production of this drink. However, only 3 of them are currently widely used: Chardonnay, Pinot meunier and Pinot noir. It is from these varieties that Lev Golitsyn champagne is produced, reviews of which are of great interest to many lovers. Earlier, Golitsyn thoroughly studied the complex production technology, and the wine he produced could rightfully be called champagne. In terms of taste, it is worthy of all praise and is fully consistent with the most stringent world standards.
Read more about the drink itself
The followers of Count Golitsyn sacredly honor the traditions established by him earlier. Confirmation of this is “Lev Golitsyn” (champagne). Reviews about him help a simple amateur to figure out some of the subtleties. First you need to remember that this special sparkling wine is produced in three varieties: brut, semi-dry and semi-sweet. The difference between them is the amount of sugar that is added at the end of the secondary fermentation and aging process. All over the world, preference is given to semi-dry drinks of this kind. Perhaps this explains the increased demand for just such a sparkling wine "Lev Golitsyn" (champagne). Reviews of the remaining varieties also confirm their excellent quality. It was with this drink in 1896 that such a solemn event as the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II was celebrated. The organizers of the festival chose all the best for the ceremony, and it is not surprising that the future sovereign himself was holding a glass with this wine.
Important features
Despite the fact that drier varieties are valued by specialists, semi-sweet champagne “Lev Golitsyn” is in high demand in retail chains. Reviews in this case confirm the features of the production of this wine. As you know, in accordance with the technology, the finished sparkling drink is bottled and stored horizontally in special rooms. During this time, the wine is enriched with additional aromas with many different shades. In addition, aging affects the ability of champagne to play in a glass. This distinguishes it from many other wines. Usually this sparkling wine reaches the desired condition for at least three years. Semi-sweet variety of the drink “Lev Golitsyn” is aged one month more than the rest. This allows an additional amount of sugar to slightly suppress the existing bitterness and at the same time give the wine a piquant note. Due to this, the wine acquires a more diverse bouquet and a deep aroma.
How to choose the best
Around the world, preference is given to the driest sparkling wines. Therefore, the best of this series can be considered champagne "Lev Golitsyn" brut. The reviews of specialists in this case coincide with the global assessment. To begin with, it is worth noting that Lev Golitsyn brand champagne has an increased percentage of alcohol, which is not very good for such a wine. But brut is characterized by a lower alcohol content compared to semisweet or semi-dry champagne of this brand. In it, the floral-fruity aroma is most clearly felt against a background of gentle freshness.
But the opinions of ordinary inhabitants do not always coincide with the conclusions of specialists. Therefore, in Russia, sweet sparkling wines are sold better. Here everyone makes a decision based on their own tastes and wishes. But the ideal quality and compliance with all existing standards remains unchanged for this drink. This compares it favorably with the usual soda for us under the proud name “Soviet Champagne”.