Apsnee wine: an overview of the drink

Abkhazia is a picturesque place on the Black Sea coast. This country inspiredly combines all the beauties of nature - sea, mountains, climate. The southern warm country at the foot of the Caucasus is famous for its large number of tourists and unique identity of the population.

Winemaking in Abkhazia

The history of winemaking in Abkhazia began many centuries ago. This is confirmed by archaeological excavations. In Abkhazia, a bronze statuette of the "Bombor wine drinker" was found, which is a man with a large wine horn in his hands. This statuette is depicted on the label of our "guest of the program" - Apsni red semi-sweet wine.

Although the statuette of a man with a horn was created four millennia ago, wine appeared in Abkhazia even earlier. Archaeologists have discovered large clay jugs with grape seeds fossilized inside, wine goblets and other earthenware for storing wine, dating back to the sixth millennium BC.

The climate of Abkhazia is perfect for winemaking. There are a huge number of vineyards here. Three grape varieties are used for Apsna: saperavi, merlot and cabernet sauvignon.

Technology of wine production in Abkhazia

It is noteworthy that the technology of wine production in Abkhazia has not undergone major changes. Perhaps the wine would also be produced in clay jugs, which winemakers would bury underground for aging - this method, by the way, can still be found in Abkhazia. However, Abkhazian wines have gained great popularity in Europe and Ukraine, so production has become automated.

The method used to produce wines in the Abkhazian region is similar to the tank method. The vine is grown under the warm southern sun in complete freedom - it has the right to grow unlimitedly to absorb all the energy and warmth of the sun. The harvested berries are pressed and placed in a tank with a hole in the bottom, which is closed during fermentation. After the juice has fermented, it is placed in clay jugs and oak barrels for maturation without any additives. The strength of this wine is from 9% to 11%.

How to drink it correctly

The wine is served chilled. Chocolate desserts, grilled fruits and vegetables, meat, and even hot dishes are suitable for tart, aromatic red wine - the drink is used as an aperitif. In Abkhazia, it is believed that if you want to experience the brightness and uniqueness of a Caucasian feast, Apsna wine should be the main drink at it.

An interesting fact - Apsny means "country of the soul" in Russian - the self-name of Abkhazia!

The wine has a rich red color, unique taste and unique aroma. It is noteworthy that the drink has a low cost, and in the country of origin of this wine it can be found for a very ridiculous price. Moreover, tourists who have visited Abkhazia say that the wine tastes completely different there - well, maybe it is!

Update: 03.07.2018

Category: Wine and Vermouth