Abkhazia is famous for the talents of its winemakers. Its wineries and distilleries produce many varieties of wine for every taste. From simple drinks for every day to vintage samples that can decorate any collection. But among this variety, Lykhny wine stands apart. Named after the ancient residence of the princes of Abkhazia, it rightfully bears the title of “Prince of Abkhazian wines”. It is to this princely drink that our today’s story is dedicated.
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Legacy of great ancestors
The author of this wonderful alcohol is the Abkhaz prince Achba, Nikolai Batovich. As legend has it, the recipe was a gift for his wife. Perhaps that is why Lykhny is considered a “feminine” wine.
The real history of the drink began in 1952, when the first bottles of the new wine were bottled at the Sukhumi winery.
After some time, fame for the new wine came very quickly. A few years later, the new Secretary General of the USSR Leonid Brezhnev drew attention to him.
After the collapse of the USSR, the Sukhumi winery was taken over by the Wines and Waters of Abkhazia company. This company was founded by the grandson of Nikolai Batovich – Nikolai Vladimirovich Achba. Under his leadership, the plant was re-equipped with Italian equipment and put into production production of 11 varieties of wine, including the famous “Psou” and “Lykhny”.
In addition to large-scale production, the company owns 600 hectares of vineyards and a breeding bureau that develops new grape varieties and improves old ones. It is not surprising that the wines of the Sukhumi winery are getting better year by year. As Nikolai Vladimirovich himself says: “The surname obliges.”
Characteristics of Lykhny
Color
Red wine “Lykhny” refers to semi-sweet varieties. This ruby-colored drink is made from Isabella grapes grown in the company’s own vineyards. But this is not the Isabella brought from overseas. Back in the XNUMXth century, it was crossed with local varieties of wild grapes, getting a completely different taste.
Flavour and Fragrance
Taste is the most remarkable feature of Lykhna. Delicate, soft and thoroughly saturated with the aroma of wild strawberries. Moreover, strawberries are by no means a component of the drink. Some connoisseurs claim that the taste of “Lykhna” is similar to the Georgian “Kindzmarauli”, but more subtle and velvety.
Innings
Before serving, the wine is cooled to 16–18˚C. It is this temperature that allows you to fully reveal its incredible taste.
Another unique feature of Lykhna is the ease of drinking. Despite the strength of 9-11%, it is drunk very easily. As Aleksey Kosygin used to say: “No matter how much you drink Lykhna, it only causes excitement at the table, but not intoxication.” And indeed it is. In addition, the natural purity of raw materials facilitates intoxication of the body and does not give any significant hangover. However, this is by no means a reason to revel in them to the point of losing consciousness.
Wine “Lykhny” is considered “feminine”. It is ideal for a romantic evening with dessert and ripe fruit. Although it is not forbidden to submit it in a purely male company. Especially, together with cold cuts or a plate of seafood.
How to distinguish a fake
The huge popularity of Lykhny wine makes it a favorite target for scammers. Fortunately, there are a number of signs by which you can identify a real drink. Here they are:
Wine “Lykhny” is produced only by the company “Wines and Waters of Abkhazia”. A product from any other manufacturer can be considered counterfeit.
Pay attention to the label. It should be bright, made without spelling errors and neatly pasted. Glue smudges or an uneven print can be considered signs of a fake.
Another weak point of fakes is the neck. For real wines, it is glued evenly, without bubbles. In addition, the expiration date of the drink is imprinted on it. For fakes, it is written on the label, along with general information.
The last point is a cork. “Wines and Waters of Abkhazia” are distinguished by elongated wooden corks, on the side of which their logo is embossed. Counterfeit most often uses small corks with a free pattern. Or even without it.
Relevance: 11.07.2018
Tags: Wine and vermouth, Wine brands