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The Moscow Champagne Winery (MKSHV) produces more than ten types of sparkling wines, including premium varieties created with the participation of French specialists. The company’s products account for five percent of the total amount of champagne presented on the Russian market and are distinguished by a rich flavor bouquet.
Historical information
The Moscow Champagne Winery is located in the southwestern part of the capital and occupies an area of about eight hectares. The enterprise was built in 1980. Since the founding of the plant, its capacity has doubled and amounts to 50 million bottles per year. Russian wine materials occupy only 10% of the total raw materials. The main suppliers of the company are the wineries of Europe and South America. The assortment of the company includes sparkling and still wines, as well as cognac.
The plant produces champagne by the reservoir method and according to the classical technology with aging in the bottle. The company purchases wine materials only from grape varieties that are traditionally used to make sparkling wines: Chardonnay, Pinot, Sauvignon, Riesling. Raw materials are carefully checked for quality by laboratory staff. Each batch is processed in order to improve taste indicators: excess protein, acid compounds and microflora are removed.
A blend can include up to twenty varieties of still wines, including those with a long aging period. The mixture is left for a month in special containers, and then sent to the champagne shop. The largest fermentation tanks can hold up to five thousand decaliters of products.
For the manufacture of premium sparkling wines, raw materials from the province of Languedoc, France are used. The French oenologist Jacques Dagonet takes part in the development of the recipes. In the rooms for long-term aging of sparkling wine, a microclimate has been created that mimics the conditions of limestone cellars. The maturation period of champagne is from two to three years. Each bottle of collectible sparkling wine is assigned its own individual number.
In 2013, the plant ranked first in terms of output in the country, but then production began to decline. Tough competition and the changed tastes of Russians, who began to prefer carbonated wine drinks to classic varieties of champagne, affected.
At the beginning of 2019, the enterprise was closed for reconstruction. The management plans to re-equip production lines for the production of lemonade and juices, and cut the production of sparkling wines by half.
Awards
Sparkling wines of the enterprise received a total of 76 medals at industry competitions. Recent awards include:
- “Prodexpo 2016” – gold medal;
- “Golden Autumn”, 2016, 2017, 2018 – gold medals.
Interesting Facts
- Champagne “Moscow Elite” is bottled in a bottle specially designed for this brand with a very thick bottom. The glass keeps the cold for a long time and serves to naturally cool the champagne even without the use of a traditional ice bucket.
- The company owns vineyards located in the area of Caucasian Mineralnye Vody. The crops serve as raw materials for the branch of the enterprise, which is located near Mount Beshtau in the Stavropol Territory.
Types of champagne JSC “MKSHV”
Russian semi-sweet, 13%
The flagship product of the company has been produced by the plant for many years and is designed for the mass consumer. The blend is based on wines from Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Aligote grape varieties. Champagne of light straw color with the aroma of white flowers and fruits plays for a long time in the glass. The taste is harmonious and refreshing, with hints of fresh grapes and green apples.
Moscow collection brut, 13%
The first batch of champagne was made from Chardonnay grapes harvested in 2007, grown on the calcareous soils of Languedoc. Wine materials for this brand are supplied by French companies. Aged on lees for over three years. The drink is light in color with golden highlights and a delicate bouquet with hints of fruit and vanilla.
Albert D, 13%
Premium brut developed by French oenologists. A blend of wines from the 2009 vintage with an exquisite floral aroma and a balanced taste with a predominance of fruity notes. There is a pleasant sourness in the aftertaste. The manufacturer recommends drinking chilled champagne as an aperitif.
