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Champagne “Balaklava” is produced by the Crimean winery “Zolotaya Balka”. The brand belongs to the premium category and in 2016 entered the top twenty brands that were highly appreciated by the world-famous Italian expert Luigi Meroni. The unique conditions of grape ripening in the foothills of the Crimea give the sparkling drink a bright and unique taste.
Historical information
The founder of the winery is Alexander Witmer, who bought the estate in Balaklava after leaving the army. The retired general ordered the best grape varieties from France, planted vines and personally made new blends. The enterprise passed to the state in 1921, and a state farm was formed on the site of the estate.
At first, the plant worked as a division of Massandra, but then it was separated into an independent enterprise and specialized in sparkling wines. In the late 60s, champagne began to be made using the reservoir method in Zolotaya Balka. During the years of perestroika, the enterprise was privatized and became a private company.
Despite the increase in production, the owners were unable to attract sufficient investment and found themselves in a difficult situation. In 2014, Zolotaya Balka was acquired by Russian businessman Artem Zuev, who upgraded some of the equipment and began work on replacing old vines.
Production features
Balaclava in terms of climatic conditions is often compared with France and Italy. Thanks to the mountain climate and the proximity of the sea, the grapes ripen for a long time and manage to reach full ripeness. Harvesting begins at the end of August and continues throughout September. Juice is squeezed out of each batch separately. Yeast cultures are added to the wort and left to ferment.
The wine materials obtained in this way are blended and sent for secondary fermentation, which takes place in steel tanks at a temperature not exceeding +18 °C. The process takes 20 days. During this time, champagne acquires a fortress and is saturated with carbon dioxide. After filtration, the finished wines go to the bottling shop.
Interesting fact
Specialists from France and Italy take an active part in the creation of new drinks. In March 2019, the Black Prince premium brand was presented, which was developed by French champagne players Jean-Philippe Roby and Jacques Dagonet. Sparkling wine is aged for at least 30 months in a bottle and no expeditionary liquor is added to the composition, so it is considered the driest of the classic Zolotaya Balka bruts.
In early August 2016, Balaklava hosted a celebration dedicated to the Champagne Day. The sponsor of the event was the company “Zolotaya Balka”. During the festival, a Guinness record was set – they managed to fill the world’s largest glass of champagne. In a huge glass container fit 55 liters, which is almost twice the previous achievement.
Types of champagne “Balaklava”
Balaclava Brut reserve, 13%
Champagne straw color with golden reflections. The aroma mixes the smells of fragrant herbs, candied fruits and spices. The structure is silky, vanilla and fried white bread stand out in the taste, spicy notes are felt at the end. Serve with cold fish, seafood and meat salads.
Balaklava Brut Chardonnay, 13%
Sparkling wine with aromas of flowers, citrus and ginger is created from Chardonnay grapes. The taste is rich in fruity and spicy tones, with pronounced mineral tones on the finish. Recommended with oysters, lean pork and poultry dishes.
Balaclava Brut Pinot Noir, 13%
The soft pink color of champagne comes from Pinot Noir grapes. The aroma is dominated by raspberry, strawberry and caramel shades. The taste is delicate and clean, with bright berry notes. An excellent aperitif and accompaniment to shrimps, mussels, river fish and poultry.
Balaclava Muscat semi-sweet, 13%
Wine of bright sunny color, saturated with small bubbles, made from amber muscat. The complex taste of the drink combines shades of tea rose, peach, apricot and honey. The bouquet is dominated by aromas of fresh grapes and spices. Suitable for berry desserts and biscuits.
