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My wife has an aunt who considers herself a connoisseur of elite wines and quality alcohol. Once, from a trip to Abkhazia, we brought her several bottles of local wine. As a present, so to speak.
Auntie, of course, took the gift and thanked her very warmly, however, her husband then blabbed to me that she couldn’t stand Abkhazian wines, considering them sour liquor. I felt offended, and my wife and I decided to find out how true this is.
Places of manufacture
The most popular wine producer in Abkhazia is the Wines and Waters of Abkhazia company, which is essentially a monopoly.
It is “Wines and Waters of Abkhazia” that regularly delivers millions of bottles to central Russia and the CIS countries.
In addition, many tourists prefer to purchase wine from local winemakers. During such purchases, it is easy to make the mistake of buying burnt wine “improved” with chemical additives.
Features of the production of Abkhazian wines
Wine has been made in the Caucasus for centuries. For this reason, certain traditions and features of wine production have developed in Abkhazia.
Previously, the profession of winemaker was passed down from generation to generation. The father shared with his son the personal secrets of delicious wine.
Most often, wines are made in Abkhazia from the following grape varieties:
- Isabella is my favorite variety with aromatic notes of strawberries;
- Aligote;
- Chaveri;
- Качич;
- Auasarhua.
Some of the varieties described are bred exclusively in Abkhazia and are authentic.
Abkhazian wines, made by skilled winemakers and trusted companies, can be called high quality. It is important to be able to distinguish Abkhazian wines from fakes, which are often found both in Abkhazia itself and on the shelves of our stores.
The best white wines of Abkhazia
White wine in Abkhazia is not as common as red wine. However, there are several varieties that I recommend trying:
- Psou is a white semi-sweet wine that has been produced in the republic since the early sixties. The wine has a delicate aftertaste, in which floral notes are felt. It is ideal with white fish and light meat. The price for a regular bottle in Russian stores is 400-500 rubles.
Psou – white semi-sweet wine
- Anakopia is a white semi-dry wine, which is distinguished by its lightness and delicate taste. Sold at a price of 500 to 600 rubles per 750 ml.
Anakopia – semi-dry white wine
- Dioscursia is a table wine with herbal and fruity notes. In addition, it can give a slight sourness depending on the year of harvest. It can be purchased for 500 rubles, however, in some outlets the price can rise to 1000.
Dioscursia – white table wine
10 best red wines of Abkhazia
Red wines are the pearl of Abkhazia. There are a great many of them, because each winemaker has his own unique family recipe. Below are the best red wines of Abkhazia, in my opinion:
- Apsny is a semi-sweet red wine with a deep, sweet taste, containing a slight sourness. It costs about 400 rubles for a standard bottle.
Apsny – red semi-sweet wine
- Ashta Lasha – its taste is rich, woody notes and spices are felt. The average price for this dry wine is 800 rubles.
Ashta Lasha – dry red wine
- Chegem is a velvety flavor that pairs well with hard cheeses and red meats. The price of dry red wine “Chegem” ranges from 500 to 1000 rubles.
Chegem – dry red wine
- Eschera – has a bright smell, berry notes are felt in the taste. This semi-dry wine costs about 500 rubles.
Eschera – semi-dry red wine
- Lykhny – the sweet taste of which is suitable for fruits. The average price for this semi-sweet is 400 rubles.
Lykhny – red semi-sweet wine
- Achandara is a sparkling wine and will be a great addition to chocolates, light desserts and fruits. The price for it fluctuates around 500-700 rubles.
- Radeda is a red dry wine, the hallmark of which is a unique aroma. A bottle costs about 350-500 rubles.
Radeda – dry red wine
- Amra – in which berry and fruit notes are felt. The price of this semi-dry wine is about 500 rubles.
Amra – red semi-dry wine
- Atawad Gumista Ashta – its tart woody notes are combined with red meat. The price of dry red wine “Atauad Gumista Ashta” averages 600-700 rubles.
Atawad Gumista Ashta – dry red wine
- Bouquet of Abkhazia – its fruity tones and sweet aftertaste will complement any dessert, “Bouquet of Abkhazia” costs about 700-800 rubles per 750 ml.
Bouquet of Abkhazia – red vermouth
In conclusion, I can say that Abkhazian wines cannot be considered something “low-grade”. Indeed, they cannot be compared with the elite wines of France and Spain, however, they are designed for the average consumer.
The locals themselves drink wine by the glass, without savoring or looking for exquisite flavors. Abkhazian wines are served on the table in a jug – it is customary to drink a lot at dinner, hearty fatty dishes do not allow you to get drunk.
Most often, the price per bottle does not exceed 1000 rubles, which is fully consistent with the quality received. The main thing that should not be done is to buy wine in dubious places, tempted by an attractive price.
I recommend sticking with red, as it is the one most successfully produced in this region. And what Abkhazian wine do you prefer?