Eschera – red semi-dry wine from Abkhazia with a strength of 10% vol. A light refreshing drink made from a mixture of grape varieties, where Isabella plays the main role. Therefore, the wine is obtained without excessive acidity, with a bright and memorable taste of ripe strawberries.
Eshera is the name of one of the villages in the Sukhumi region of the country, the birthplace of the former President of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzinba. In the 1990s, the most fierce fighting took place in this area, and now the vineyards of the Sukhumi winery are located there.
Historical information
Table wine “Eshera” was developed by technologists of the plant in 2002 based on the experience of Abkhazian winemakers. Although the industry in the republic has been actively developing since 1925, viticulture has not played a significant role in Abkhazia for a long time. There are many areas in the region with carbonate-humus soils ideal for planting vines, but the humid and warm climate makes it possible to grow subtropical crops that dominate the country’s agriculture.
Most of the vineyards of the Escher wine producer, the Wines and Waters of Abkhazia enterprise, are located in the Sukhumi region. The plant owns more than 700 hectares of plantings. Georgian grapes Tsolikouri, Saperavi, Rkatsiteli are grown here, but more than half of the area is given over to the Isabella variety.
Once Abkhazia was famous for its local grapes: Kachichi, Hardani, Amlahu, but fungal diseases have almost completely destroyed the plantations, and now active work is underway to restore them.
The American hybrid variety Isabella, with a high sugar content and characteristic aroma, proved to be resistant to phylloxera and high humidity, so it gradually replaced other species.
Production technology
Ordinary red wine from Isabella was produced back in the 1960s, and it was in demand among the inhabitants of the country. In 1983, the Sukhum secondary winemaking plant produced 28 wines, which won medals at international competitions. During the time of Perestroika, the enterprise fell into decay, restoration work began only in 1999, when Russian entrepreneurs, led by Nikolai Achba, raised $ 3 million to modernize the lines.
Ten years ago, the plant used imported raw materials in production, but now the company grows most of the grapes on its own land. The workshops are equipped with French and Italian equipment, and special enameled containers are used to store products.
Wines are aged in Limousin oak barrels, which the company buys in France. Production is carried out in accordance with the specifications and standards approved in the Russian Federation. The company produces 28 million bottles of dry, vintage and sparkling wines per year. The company sells most of its products outside the country.
Wine “Eshera” is developed on the basis of traditional Abkhazian technology. The grapes are harvested by hand, so as not to accidentally damage the bunches. The production uses a mixture of red varieties, dominated by Isabella. Then the juice is squeezed out of the berries, which is filtered and sent for fermentation. The blend is made up of young and aged wine. Before bottling, the drink is filtered again.
The company prefers to buy bottles in the Czech Republic, as the plant management did not satisfy the quality of the products of Russian enterprises. The wine is corked with corks brought from Portugal, they are considered the best.
Awards:
- International exhibition “Wine. Vodka. Tobacco 2005″, Sochi – gold medal;
- diploma of the participant of the exhibition “Prodexpo-2015”, Moscow.
How to drink Abkhaz wine “Eshera”
Before serving, “Esher” is cooled to 16-18 ° C. The wine is suitable for aged cheeses, vegetable salads, baked or fried meat. From the dishes of traditional Abkhazian cuisine, “Eshera” combines Adjarian barbecue, lobio, khachapuri, abaklazhanchapa – eggplants rolled into rolls stuffed with nuts, garlic and spices.
Lovers of wines from Isabella “Eschera” grapes will enjoy its delicate berry flavor and strawberry aroma. The shelf life of the drink is not limited if stored in a cool ventilated area, protected from sunlight.