Crimean wines: history, wine regions + tips on how to buy
In the Soviet years, wines produced on the Crimean peninsula were considered one of the best in the Union. They were appreciated, brought as gifts to family and friends, opened on the occasion of significant celebrations and family holidays.
Recently, there have been two opposite trends in the assessment of famous products: some consumers believe that the quality has significantly decreased and leaves much to be desired, while others still remain loyal to Crimean winemakers and compare local drinks with the best world samples.
Vzboltai adheres to the "golden mean" and believes that among the producers of the region there are both worthy ones whose products are worth tasting and mediocre ones that produce uninteresting wine samples.
Counterfeiting is also quite common, which negatively affects the reputation of Crimean winemakers.
History of local viticulture development
The first vineyards on the territory of modern Crimea appeared in ancient times - about two thousand years ago.
The Greeks and Romans had a hand in the development of wine art, whose rule was later replaced by the rule of the Ottoman Turks.
The establishment of Islam had a negative impact on the wine industry, which recovered and flourished only in the nineteenth century, after the Crimean peninsula became part of the Russian Empire.
The tsarist authorities supported winemakers in every possible way: grape plantations were laid in the vicinity of Sevastopol and Balaklava, private and state farms for the production of alcohol from wine fruits were organized.
However, the following years did not have the best effect on the state of local production: numerous wars, the Soviet anti-alcohol campaign and the constant change of government did not help to expand the range and markets.
Only the largest enterprises, which today form the backbone of Crimean winemaking, have stayed afloat.
The main ones are concentrated in several main regions of the peninsula.
Wine regions of the Crimea
The climate of the Crimea and the richness of the soil composition are excellent for growing grapes: both native vines and imported ones are cultivated here.
Each region specializes in its own varieties and categories of drinks.
There are several important wine-growing areas:
Southern coast of Crimea
It is famous not only for its mild Mediterranean climate and resort settlements, but also for its excellent beverages made from muscat varieties.
The most worthy fortified and dessert wines (madeira, port, sherry, etc.) are produced here.), which can be compared with similar products of world leaders.
It is believed that Crimean Muscats are as good as Italian, French and Spanish wines in terms of aroma and taste.
East
Famous for dry and sparkling drinks made from local grape varieties.
Producers of the region have been working for many years to create unique wines from indigenous fruits and the result has exceeded all expectations.
Both blended and varietal drinks are interesting.
Eastern products are considered a great souvenir with local flavor - they are often brought as gifts from resort areas.
The Novy Svet district, located in the southeastern part of the peninsula, is known for champagne wines, the raw materials for which are harvested in the west - on the outskirts of Sevastopol, a unique area with white calcareous soils.
Western region
Specializes in the production of sparkling beverages created using tank technology (secondary fermentation takes place in closed containers) from aromatic types of local Muscat
. Such products are characterized by fruity and floral flavors (peach, acacia, fig).
In addition to "wines with bubbles," dry and fortified beverages are produced here, the raw materials for which are grown on gravelly soils.
In the Balaklava region, classic European varieties are cultivated, such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Portuguese grapes from the island of Madeira and Spanish vine varieties.
Dry wines from this area are characterized by high acidity, which is inherent in elegant French drinks.
The western region is compared to the famous wine-producing provinces of Burgundy and Bordeaux.
North
This part of Crimea was traditionally developed for the production of raw materials for cognacs.
There are few vineyards here, as the land is mostly steppe.
There are no particularly remarkable drinks, so it is better to try the products of richer coastal regions.
The best enterprises and famous wines of Crimea
There are many worthy producers in Crimea. When choosing drinks, you should pay attention to local varieties that have been grown here for a long time.
The most famous are Kokur and Kefessia. The semi-indigenous Bastardo of Magarach is also good.
Of the European varieties, the following have taken root and assimilated well on the peninsula: Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling.
Some classic varieties are still being developed by Crimean winemakers and may become the basis for original wines in the future.
According to experts and consumers, the best local producers are the following:
Massandra winery
One of the largest enterprises located on the Southern coast of Crimea. Includes several plants for processing raw materials and making wines.
The most important is Yalta, famous for its vintage drinks.
The most famous product is the White Muscat of the Red Stone, a legendary dessert wine produced since 1944.
Also worthy of attention: South Coast Tokaj and Muscat, Pinot Grigio Ai-Danil, Prince Golitsyn's Seventh Heaven and other Massandra-made wines.
National Institute of Grapes and Wine "Magarach"
A unique local organization with a history of over 200 years of development.
It not only produces alcoholic beverages, but also conducts research in the field of winemaking.
The company specializes in the production of strong and dessert vintage wines.
Most notable products: White Muscat "Magarach", as well as sherries and port wines of various types and aging periods.
By the way, the ordinary drinks (semi-sweet and dry) of the famous manufacturer are of excellent quality and taste.
Inkerman factory of vintage wines
The company is located in the vicinity of Sevastopol. Specializes in the production of dry and table wines.
The best: table drinks from Sauvignon, Aligote and Cabernet varieties under the common name "Crimean", dessert products "The Secret of Chersonese", red and white ports.
In addition to the listed names, the wines of "Solnechna Dolina" ("Black Doctor" and "Black Colonel"), the Koktebel plant ("Pino-Gri Kara-Dag", "Old Nectar" and cognacs), the Sudak "Champagne Wine Factory" (classic champagne "New World"), drinks of the Satera and Golden Beam brands...
Tips for buying good Crimean wine
When buying products of local brands, you should not focus on flashy packaging and labels - these are often not the best examples designed to attract tourists.
You should not buy wines at the market or in small retail outlets: it is better to visit large chain stores or branded stores / farms.
You need to carefully study the information on the bottle: there must be detailed information about the manufacturer, the year of harvest, and the varietal composition of the drink. If they are not there, it is likely that you are looking at a fake.
Many companies have their own specialties in wine decoration: it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with them on the official website of the manufacturer before buying.
The bottle should be made of transparent dark glass and sealed with a neat cork with the manufacturer's logo.
On many Crimean wines you can find the inscription "ZGU" (protected geographical indication), which indicates the high quality of the drink.
Update: 01.11.2018
Category: Wine and Vermouth