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Zolotaya Balka is a Russian champagne produced by the Crimean factory of the same name, located not far from Balaklava. One of the oldest enterprises in the industry produces sparkling wines from its own raw materials on Italian and German-made equipment. The assortment includes several dozen types of champagne, the production volume is 5 million bottles per year.
Historical information
The history of the Zolotaya Balka farm dates back to 1889, when retired general Alexander Witmer founded the first wine cellars in Balaklava. The estate constantly experimented with different varieties of grapes. The blends were poured into small bottles and blind tasting was carried out. The best examples formed the basis for the recipe of wines, some of which the company still uses.
State farm “Zolotaya Balka” was founded in 1921. The agrarian enterprise included the lands of several collective farms. Since its founding, the winery has been focused on the production of champagne and was part of the Massandra association. Tank production technology was introduced in 1968.
During the years of perestroika, the state-owned enterprise was privatized and passed into private hands. In 2005, the company carried out a large-scale modernization, but this did not save the farm from a difficult financial situation. In 2014, Zolotaya Balka was acquired by Russian businessman Artem Zuev. The immediate task of the company is to expand and update the raw material base.
Production features
The farm has its own vineyards with an area of 1400 hectares. The region is similar in climatic conditions to the north of Italy, so the berries here ripen slowly, acquiring the fullness of taste. The clusters are harvested by hand in 15 liter baskets, minimizing the risk of damage. Raw materials arrive at the plant in the shortest possible time, each variety is processed separately.
Premium sparkling wines are created on the basis of classic French bottle aging technology. Champagne “Zolotaya Balka” matures in large acratophore tanks, which reduces the production time without affecting the quality. In 2018 alone, the company’s products received 15 awards at industry tasting competitions.
Awards:
- “Golden Griffin 2013”, Yalta – Grand Prix and victory in the nomination “Best Sparkling Wine of the Year”;
- “All-Russian Summit of Winemakers 2015”, Abrau-Durso – silver medal;
- “Quality Assurance 2018”, Moscow – gold medal.
- Prodexpo, Moscow:
- 2018 – bronze medal;
- 2019 – silver medal.
Interesting fact
Zolotaya Balka offers guests of the peninsula an extensive excursion program, including both ordinary tours with tasting, and exciting ATV trips through the vineyards.
In 2019, a new laboratory began to open, in which visitors can independently disgorge champagne – freezing the neck and then removing the yeast sediment.
Types of champagne “Zolotaya Balka”
Golden Beam white Brut, 13,5%
Refreshing dry champagne of light golden color with greenish reflections. The aroma is floral with fruity undertones. The taste is dominated by fresh grapes and citrus fruits. Combines with shrimps, mussels, oysters and fresh cheeses. Easy to drink without accompaniment.
Golden Balka semi-dry white, 13%
Light straw-colored wine with the aroma of meadow flowers is made from five grape varieties. The taste is delicate and perfectly balanced, with moderate fruity sweetness. Serve with confectionery and fish dishes.
Golden Balka Semi-sweet nutmeg white, 12%
Created from white and amber nutmeg, which give the drink the aroma of roses, apricot and peach. The complex flavor range combines shades of tropical fruits: mango, kiwi and papaya. There is a slight grapefruit bitterness on the finish. Makes a gastronomic pair with fruit cocktails and sweet dishes.
Golden Balka Semi-sweet white, 13%
Seven varieties of grapes are used in production, including the original Crimean “kokur”. The bright aroma of the drink includes a whole palette of fruit and flower shades. Grape sourness and peach sweetness are balanced on the palate. Suitable for light vegetable salads and confectionery.
Golden Balka Semi-sweet red, 13,5%
Ruby color gives the drink a mixture of grape varieties “Saperavi”, “Cabernet Sauvignon” and “Merlot”. The aroma is dominated by red berries and spices. The taste is delicate and delicate, fruity sweetness is emphasized by mineral shades. Pairs with hot and spicy meat dishes.
