Lyhnya wine: taste review, composition and producer
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, the wine "Likhni" stands out. Named after the ancient residence of the princes of Abkhazia, it rightfully bears the title of "Prince of Abkhazian wines". Our story today is dedicated to this princely drink.
The legacy of great ancestors
The author of this wonderful alcohol is considered to be the Abkhazian prince Achba, Nikolai Batovich. According to legend, the recipe was a gift for his wife. Perhaps that's why "Likhnya" is considered a "women's" 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 a while, the new wine became famous very quickly. A few years later, the new USSR General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev took notice of it.
After the collapse of the USSR, the Sukhumi winery was taken over by the Abkhazian Wines and Waters Company. This company was founded by Mykola Batovych's grandson, Mykola Achba. Under his leadership, the plant was re-equipped with Italian equipment and put on stream the production of 11 varieties of wines, including the famous Psou and Likhni.
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. No wonder that the wines of the Sukhumi winery are getting better every year. As Mykola Volodymyrovych himself says: "The surname obliges".
Characteristics of Lykhnya
Color
Red wine "Lyhny" belongs to the semi-sweet varieties. This ruby-colored drink is made from the Isabella grape variety, which is grown in the company's own vineyards. But this is not the "Isabella" brought from overseas. Back in the XX century, it was crossed with local varieties of wild grapes, resulting in a completely different taste.
Taste and aroma
The taste is the most remarkable feature of "Lykhnya". Delicate, soft and saturated with the aroma of strawberries. Moreover, strawberries are not a component of the drink. Some connoisseurs claim that the taste of Lykhnya is similar to the Georgian Kindzmarauli, but thinner and more velvety.
Serving
Before serving, the wine is cooled to 16-18˚C. This is the temperature that allows to fully reveal its incredible taste.
Another unique aspect of "Lyhnya" is its ease of drinking. Despite the strength of 9-11%, it is very easy to drink. As Oleksiy Kosygin used to say: "No matter how much Lykhnya you drink, it only makes the table lively, but not intoxicated.". And it's really true. In addition, the natural purity of the raw materials facilitates the intoxication of the body and does not give any significant hangover. However, this is by no means a reason to drink it until you pass out.
"Lykhny" wine is considered "feminine". It is ideal for a romantic evening with dessert and ripe fruit. Although it is not forbidden to serve it in a purely male company. Especially when paired with cold cuts or a plate of seafood.
How to distinguish a fake
The huge popularity of Lykhnya wine makes it a favorite target for fraudsters. Luckily, there are a number of signs that can help you identify a real drink. Here they are:
Likhny wine is produced only by the company "Wines and Waters of Abkhazia" LLC. Products from any other manufacturer can be considered fake.
Pay attention to the label. It should be bright, made without spelling mistakes and neatly glued. Glue streaks or uneven print can be considered signs of counterfeiting.
Another weak point of fakes is the neck. In real wines, it is glued evenly, without bubbles. In addition, the expiration date of the drink is printed on it. For fakes, it is written on the label, along with general information.
The last point is the cork. "Wines and Waters of Abkhazia" are distinguished by elongated wooden corks with their logo embossed on the side. Counterfeits most often use small corks with a free pattern. Or even without it.
Update: 11.07.2018
Category: Wine and Vermouth