El Paso wine: history, features and overview of types
Elite French wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy are undoubtedly good, but not everyone can afford them, or rather, not everyone. Those who are concerned about finding a decent wine in the budget segment should pay attention to the products of Sparkling Wine CJSC.
A brief history of the company
The company started its work back in 1876 in St. Petersburg. At that time, the company was called differently - "Slavic Brewery" - and was mainly engaged in the production of beer.
In addition to the foamy alcoholic beverage, the assortment included mineral water, honey and kvass.
The production of wines and champagne at the plant began after the end of the war - in 1945.
After the reconstruction, a new production line was launched, and the cellars built in the XIX century were so well preserved that no redevelopment was required.
The first bottle of the famous "Soviet Champagne" was produced at the factory in 1947.
Production volumes of the new drink grew rapidly and reached 5 million units per year in 20 years. The production of dessert wines has also started.
At the end of the XX century, the company received a modern name and, along with it, a large-scale modernization of the workshops, which made it possible to increase exports. A few years later, the production of cognacs was launched.
Recently, CJSC "Sparkling Wine" has been actively expanding its product range. The result of this work was the creation of new wine lines and the production of whiskey. One of the most popular collections is "El Paso".
Features of raw material selection and production
The company does not have its own vineyards, so it buys fruit from suppliers from different countries: Australia, Europe, South Africa, and the New World.
The company's specialists select grapes annually, visiting wineries and inspecting the upcoming harvest.
A whole range of factors is used to evaluate raw materials, from natural and climatic to the history of plantations.
After the selection of farms, we constantly monitor the ripening and harvesting processes.
At the production stage, the quality of products is continuously assessed: modern laboratory equipment is used for this purpose.
Due to the good location and close proximity to the port, deliveries of finished beverages are carried out quickly, without additional risks and do not require significant costs, which makes the products of CJSC "Sparkling Wine" affordable for the consumer.
The line includes 8 types of table wines, united by a common theme, made from classic European grape varieties.
The products are dedicated to sunny Argentina, as evidenced by the colorful labels with images of the picturesque streets of the hot country.
The collection includes 4 semi-sweet and 4 dry drinks.
Semi-sweet wines of El Paso
El Paso Merlot
The wine is made from the grape variety of the same name. Beverage color: bright ruby. The aroma is characterized by notes of plum and red fruits. Taste: moderately sweet, moderately tart, with a hint of pomegranate.
El Paso Sauvignon
Sauvignon Blanc fruit is selected for production. Wine color: light golden. Aroma: fresh, fruity, with a predominance of citrus tones. The taste is balanced, slightly sweet, with a slight acidity, hints of candied apples and fresh fruit are felt.
El Paso Chardonnay
Wine made from berries of the same name grape. Beverage color: golden yellow with a smooth transition to green. Aroma: fresh, floral, with a slight hint of caramel. Taste: pleasant, harmonious.
El Paso Cabernet
A drink made from two varieties of Cabernet: Sauvignon and Franc. Color: rich, purple-red. Aroma: soft, fruity, with a predominance of pomegranate and black currant. The taste has tart notes of chokeberry with a pleasant sweetness in the end.
Dry wines of El Paso
El Paso Merlot
Wine of intense ruby-cherry color from the same name variety. Berry and fruit flavor: blackberry, fresh and dried plum. The taste is light, slightly tart, with tones of prunes.
El Paso Chardonnay
A drink made from the grape of the same name with a pale golden color. Aroma: fresh, apple and pear. Taste: light, harmonious, with soft bread notes.
El Paso Cabernet
Made from the Cabernet grape variety: Sauvignon and Franc. Wine of a rich ruby red color. The aroma has notes of black currant and pomegranate. Taste: light, moderately tart.
El Paso Sauvignon
Drink made from Sauvignon Blanc fruit. Straw-golden color. Aroma: fresh citrus. Taste: harmonious, refreshing, with gooseberry tones and light bitterness.
Recommendations for consumption
Red wines
the manufacturer recommends combining with meat dishes, Italian and Asian cuisine, cheeses and sauces.Serving temperature: 14-16 °C.
White wines
with fish and seafood, vegetable snacks, desserts and fruits.Suitable as an aperitif.
Serving temperature: 6-8 °C.
Reviews of El Paso wines are quite controversial
Many consumers praise the drinks for their low price and optimal value for money: "not a bad budget option in its price category", "good wine", "you can drink with pleasure and not suffer from a headache in the morning", "normal quality at a reasonable price".
Others criticize it for its dubious flavor characteristics: "too tart and sour taste", "heavy wine", "cheap sour wines with preservatives".
Most of the negative reviews concern red dry wines, while white and semi-sweet wines were to the taste of most tasters.
When you are going to try El Paso wines, you should not forget that they belong to the economy segment, so it is incorrect to compare their characteristics with drinks of the high price segment.
Update: 28.09.2018
Category: Wine and Vermouth