The best Russian wines under 500 rubles

The dollar is stubbornly creeping up. This means that the prices of imported goods will only rise. What to do? Look for an alternative.

I thought about whether there are worthy competitors to well-known brands of foreign wines in our winemaking market? It turned out – there is. Today I will share my observations with you.

Where wine is produced in modern Russia

In some regions of Russia, the history of winemaking goes back centuries, and the first garden for cultivation in Astrakhan appeared by royal decree in 1613.

Step by step, winemaking developed, new farms were organized and the volume of finished products increased.

In the Soviet Union, a similar trend was observed until the adoption of the law on combating alcoholism in 1985.

Then the number of vineyards was halved, which still forces producers to buy wine materials abroad, nevertheless, it is quite possible to find good and inexpensive wine.

Today, the largest wine suppliers are based in the Krasnodar region (about 60 percent), the Rostov region with its risky, sheltered viticulture, the Stavropol region provides about 15 percent of the total, Dagestan and, of course, the Crimea with its fortified and dessert wines.

The largest market share in Russia today is accounted for by the following wineries:

  • Inkerman factory of vintage wines (Crimea);
  • Soyuz-Vino (Krymsky District, Krasnodar Territory);
  • Agro-industrial firm Fanagoria (Taman);
  • Abrau-Dyurso (Krasnodar, settlement of Abrau-Dyurso);
  • Kuban wine (Krasnodar region, Temryuk region);
  • Derbent factory of sparkling wines (Dagestan);
  • Crimean winery;
  • Winery “Jubilee” (Krasnodar region, Temryuk region);
  • Moscow plant of sparkling wines.

5 best Russian red wines

And now to the specifics, I introduce you to my personal favorites from Russian winemakers, let’s start, of course, with red ones, mainly Krasnodar and Crimean.

  • Chateau Taman, “Saperavi Taman”, dry (about 400 rubles). The wine comes from the Krasnodar Territory, it is difficult to spoil such a variety as Saperavi, the wine has a tart taste with no prominent acidity, leaves an interesting aftertaste, suitable for everyday dinner or a picnic.
  • Winery “Jubilee”, “Select worthy”, dry (approx. 330 rubles). This is not a specific wine, but a whole line of worthy specimens. Try the varieties “Crystal”, “Viorica”, “Citron Tsyurupinsky”. Rich tastes – berries, spices, smoked meats. I am sure you will be satisfied.
  • Manor Perovsky, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2015, dry (approx. 480 rubles). Red Crimean wine with a rich taste of black berries and a dense bright aroma. After a sip, a long aftertaste remains, it is recommended for meat dishes and sanctioned hard cheeses.
  • Solnechnaya Dolina, Meganom, dry (approx. 280 rubles). Made from Bastardo and Cofesia grape varieties. An excellent and unpretentious companion for friendly gatherings, suitable for numerous dishes and snacks, especially good with carbonara-type pastas.
  • Chateau Tamagne, Rouge (Rouge) Krasnostop-Ancelotta, dry (approx. 250 rubles).

Red wines are a good accompaniment to hearty meals and are most often paired with meat dishes and snacks.

5 best Russian white wines

For lovers of not so tart, but light fruity and floral aromas, I share my favorite brands from the budget segment of white wines. I especially advise you to try Riesling, if you have not come across it before.

  • High Coast, Müller Thurgau 2017, dry (approx. 480 rubles). Light wine with bright acidity and invigorating aroma of citrus fruits.
  • Fanagoria, Author’s wine Chardonnay Sauvignon 2018, dry (approx. 470 rubles). A classic combination of varieties and a very pleasant wine as a result.
  • Solnechnaya Dolina, Kokur 2017, dry (approx. 480 rubles). Pleasing to the eye straw color of the drink, tart taste caressing the tongue with a delicate aftertaste.
  • Chateau Tamagne, Riesling 2014, dry (approx. 420 rubles). Riesling lovers and connoisseurs will understand me, fresh taste and light natural carbonation.
  • Chateau Tamagne, Premier Blanc Reserve, dry (approx. 350 rubles). An excellent wine at a low price, I recommend it for long summer night walks.

White wines, unlike red ones, require a light snack, win-win options are non-hard cheeses, fish, seafood, fruit and vegetable snacks.

5 best Russian sparkling wines

Although we tend to drink sparkling wine only once a year, the range of inexpensive options from Russian producers can encourage you to change your habits. Here are some decent and inexpensive options:

  • Kuban Vino, Aristov Rose (Aristov Rose), Brut (approx. 410 rubles). A good budget line, made not from wine material bought abroad, but from our native grapes from the Taman Peninsula.
  • Phanagoria, Blanc de Blanc (Blanc de Blanc), brut (about 480 rubles). The same can be said about this sparkling drink, a solid four for very moderate money. Leave a bottle in reserve.
  • Golden Beam, brut (about 360 rubles). A rich varietal composition was put into this modest bottle by the manufacturer. Light wine, good for light snacks or as an aperitif at events.
  • Kuban Wine, Aristov Brut, rose (approx. 400 rubles). This sparkling wine is the best companion for brunches and leisurely meetings with friends. Light flavor, nice palate-tingling bubbles, and some cheese, please.
  • High coast, Extra Brut, white (approx. 420 rubles). For lovers of very dry wines, I like it, but here you have to try it in order to understand everything for yourself.

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Take care of yourself!

I am sure that my list will definitely help change the established opinion that you cannot find inexpensive and high-quality domestic wine in Russia.

Among the assortment presented throughout the country, you can find a lot of worthy drinks. Tell us, what are your favorites in the Russian winemaking market?

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