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Winemaking in the Republic of Abkhazia has a 5000-year history. To date, archaeologists continue to find clay vessels and jugs in which wine matured. Bronze figurines in the form of a man holding a ram’s horn were also found. The scientists called this discovery “the wine drinker of Bombora” and now this symbol is placed on the label of red semi-sweet wine Apsny.
History of Abkhaz wines
Despite such a long history, the industrial production of Abkhazian wines began only in 1925, and the dawn falls on 1960. Today, the wines of Abkhazia have repeatedly received high awards at international and Russian competitions.
If we talk about producers, then all roads lead to one company – “Wines and Waters of Abkhazia”, founded in 1930. It is a monopolist in the Abkhaz market. Of course, there are still small family businesses, but in order to try their product, you should go on a wine tour to the Abkhaz Republic.
All the versatility and charm of the wines of Abkhazia is embodied in the assortment, which includes 11 items.
Bouquet of Abkhazia
This is a visiting card of the Abkhazian winemaking, produced since 1929. Red dessert wine is made from Isabella grapes.
The bouquet of Abkhazia has a dark pomegranate color and a soft velvety taste with pronounced fruity notes. The aroma is dominated by cherry tones.
Fortress – 16%. Pairs well with desserts and fruits.
Radeda
This red dry wine, like the Bouquet of Abkhazia, is made from pure Isabella grapes. The drink is named after the Abkhazian wedding hymn to the newlyweds. This song is performed in honor of the bride when she crosses the threshold of the groom’s house.
The wine is produced according to the classical technology since 2002 and has a ruby-purple color. Strawberry shades are caught in the taste.
Fortress – 10%. Recommended to serve with meat dishes.
Details about Radeda
Amra
In translation from the Abkhazian, the name of the drink means “sun”. Semi-dry wine is made from blends of selected red grapes.
Ruby-colored wine has a very harmonious, light taste and pronounced aroma of grapes.
Fortress – 11%. It goes well with meat dishes of Caucasian cuisine.
Apsny
Red semi-sweet wine has been produced since 1970 from three grape varieties: Saperavi, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.
In translation, Apsny means “country of the soul”, which is very symbolic – Abkhazians love to call their homeland so much.
The beautiful pomegranate color of the wine reveals itself in a rich velvety taste and fragrant notes of dark berries.
Fortress – 11%. Pairs well with sweet pastries and fruits.
Details about Apsny
Lykhny
“Prince of Abkhazian wines”, this is also called this red semi-sweet wine. A drink made from Isabella grapes has been produced since 1962.
Lykhny bears the name of a small village in which there is a ruin of the palace of the Abkhaz rulers and the oldest church, it was built in the 10th century.
The wine has a rich ruby color, soft and slightly tart taste with a long aftertaste. The aroma captures strawberry notes, which are complemented by hints of a dried rose.
Fortress – 10%. This wine can be served with fruits, desserts and deli meats.
Details about Lykhny
Escher
Escher semi-dry red wine is named after a small village where the best homemade wines of Abkhazia are prepared.
The wine is produced according to traditional technology from a blend of Isabella with other red grape varieties.
Harmonious and light taste of wine has a ruby-red color and a characteristic aroma of Isabella strawberry.
Fortress – 10%. It is recommended to serve with poultry and red meat dishes.
Details about Escher
Chegem
Red dry wine has a deep raspberry-black color and a soft, slightly tart taste with a spicy bitterness in the aftertaste. The bouquet of aromas contains strawberry shades, which are complemented by notes of dry black berries and ink.
The wine bears the name of the city of the same name in Abkhazia with incredibly beautiful landscapes.
Produced since 2002 from selected blends of the red grape variety Isabella.
Fortress – 11%. It is customary to serve with meat dishes.
Psou
White semi-sweet wine is named after the river that flows near the border of Russia and Abkhazia.
Psou has been produced since 1962 from white grape varieties: Tsolikauri, Riesling and Rkatsiteli.
The wine has a beautiful straw color, mild flavor and a slight floral aftertaste.
Fortress – 10%. Ideal for an aperitif. Also, this wine can be combined with desserts, fruits or light salads.
Details about Psou
Dioscuria
This dry white wine is named after the ancient town, which is located on the Black Sea coast in the city of Sukhum.
Dioscuria is produced from selected varieties of white grapes: Aligote, Riesling, Rkatsiteli.
Light aromatic wine of white-golden color with an interesting floral taste, which is set off by herbal accents.
Fortress – 11%. This wine goes well with appetizers, salads and meat dishes.
More about Dioscuria
Anakopia
The wine got its name in honor of the capital of the Abkhazian kingdom, which was the residence of the Abkhazian prince Leon and began to be produced in 1978.
The color of the wine has a light straw color. The taste captures a subtle floral flavor and aroma.
Anakopia wine is produced from grape varieties: Riesling and Rkatsiteli.
Fortress – 10%. If we talk about gastronomic combinations, then seafood is ideal for this white wine.
Cahors New Athos
This red, sweet wine was created with the blessing of the Abkhaz Diocese from Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) and other local varieties (20%).
Cahors has a rich red color with a ruby hue and a velvety taste with a spicy, long aftertaste. The aroma contains soft notes of cream.
Fortress – 16%. It is recommended to serve it as an aperitif in combination with sweets, nuts and dried fruits.
Cahors New Athos is also suitable for accompanying the great Orthodox sacraments, for example, the Wedding or Liturgy.
Relevance: 22.03.2018
Tags: Wine and vermouth, Wine brands