Abkhazian wines: an overview of 11 popular brands

Winemaking in the Republic of Abkhazia has a 5000-year history. To date, archaeologists continue to find clay vessels and jugs in which wine matured. Bronze statuettes in the form of a man holding a ram's horn were also found. Scientists called this discovery the "Bomborian vinophone" and now this symbol is placed on the label of Apsna's red semi-sweet wine.

History of Abkhazian wines

Despite such a long history, the industrial production of Abkhazian wines began only in 1925, and the dawn of the wine industry was in 1960.

If we talk about producers, then all roads lead to one company - "Wines and Waters of Abkhazia", founded in 1930. It is a monopolist on the Abkhazian market. Of course, there are still small family businesses, but in order to try their product, you should go on a wine tour to the Abkhazian republic.

All the versatility and charm of Abkhazian wines is embodied in the assortment, which includes 11 items.

Bouquet of Abkhazia

It is a hallmark of Abkhazian winemaking, produced since 1929. Red dessert wine produced from Isabella grape variety.

Bouquet of Abkhazia has a dark pomegranate color and a soft velvety taste with pronounced notes of fruit. The aroma is dominated by cherry shades.

Strength - 16%. Goes well with dessert and fruit.

Tasting

This red dry wine, like Bouquet of Abkhazia, is produced from pure Isabella grapes. The drink is named after the Abkhaz wedding hymn to the newlyweds. This song is performed in honor of the bride when she crosses the threshold of the groom's house.

The wine has been produced using classical technology since 2002 and has a ruby-purple color. The taste is characterized by strawberry hints.

Strength - 10% alcohol. Recommended to be served with meat dishes.

Amra

The name of the drink means "sun" in Abkhazian. Semi-dry wine produced from blends of selected berries of red grape varieties.

The ruby-colored wine has a very harmonious, light taste and a pronounced aroma of grapes.

Alcohol content - 11%. It goes well with meat dishes of Caucasian cuisine.

Apsni

The red semisweet wine has been produced since 1970 from three grape varieties: Saperavi, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.

In translation, Apsna means "country of the soul", which is very symbolic - Abkhazians love to call their homeland.

The beautiful garnet color of the wine reveals itself in a rich velvety taste and aromatic notes of dark berries.

Alcohol content - 11%. Goes well with buttery pastries and fruits.

Leaven

"Prince of Abkhazian wines", as this red semi-sweet wine is also called. The drink has been produced from Isabella grapes since 1962.

Likhny is the name of a small village, where the ruins of the palace of the Abkhaz rulers and the oldest church are located, it was built in the 10th century.

The wine has a rich ruby color, soft and slightly tart taste with a long aftertaste. The aroma contains strawberry notes, which are complemented by hints of dried rose.

Strength - 10% alcohol. This wine can be served with fruits, desserts and meat delicacies.

Eshera

Eshera semi-dry red wine is named after a small village where the best home-made wines of Abkhazia are produced.

The wine is produced according to the traditional technology from a blend of Isabella and other red grape varieties.

The harmonious and light taste of the wine has a ruby red color and a strawberry aroma characteristic of Isabella.

Strength - 10% alcohol content. Recommended to serve with poultry and red meat dishes.

Chegem

The dry red wine has a deep raspberry-black color and a soft, slightly tart taste with a spicy bitterness in the aftertaste. The bouquet of aromas contains strawberry hints, which are complemented by notes of dried black berries and ink.

The wine is named after the city of the same name in Abkhazia with incredibly beautiful landscapes.

Produced since 2002 from selected blends of the red Isabella grape variety.

Strength - 11% alcohol. It is customary to serve with meat dishes.

Pairing

The white semi-sweet wine is named after a river that flows near the border of Russia and Abkhazia.

Psou has been produced since 1962 from white grape varieties: Tsolikaura, Riesling and Rkatsiteli.

The wine has a beautiful straw color, mild taste and light floral aftertaste.

Strength - 10% alcohol content. Ideal for an aperitif. This wine can also be combined with desserts, fruits or light salads.

Dioscuria

This dry white wine is named after an ancient town located on the Black Sea coast in the city of Sukhum.

Dioscuria is produced from selected white grape varieties: Aligote, Riesling, Rkatsiteli.

Light aromatic wine of white-golden color with an interesting floral taste, which is set off by herbal accents.

Strength - 11% alcohol. This wine goes well with appetizers, salads and meat dishes.

Anacopia

The wine got its name in honor of the capital of the Abkhazian kingdom, which was the residence of the Abkhazian prince Leon and began to be produced in 1978.

The color of the wine has a light straw hue. The taste has a delicate floral flavor and aroma.

Anakopia wine is made from grape varieties: Riesling and Rkatsiteli.

Strength - 10% alcohol. If we talk about gastronomic combinations, seafood is ideal for this white wine.

Kagor New Athos

This red, sweet wine was created with the blessing of the Abkhazian Diocese from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (80%) and other local varieties (20%).

Cahors has a deep red color with a ruby hue and a velvety taste with a spicy, long aftertaste. The aroma contains soft notes of cream.

Alcohol content: 16%. It is recommended to serve it as an aperitif in combination with sweets, nuts and dried fruits.

Also, Kagor Novy Athos is suitable for accompanying the great Orthodox sacraments, for example, a wedding or a liturgy.

Update: 22.03.2018

Category: Wine and Vermouth