2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14
"Balka Zolotaya" is a well-known producer of sparkling wines, located in the Crimea, in the Sevastopol region. It is believed that this is the oldest plant. It was founded in 1889, however, then still without a name. It is very large in terms of production. 4.5 million bottles of sparkling wine roll off the production line every year.
Vineyards of the agronomic company occupy 1500 hectares, they grow the best wine varieties of berries that are suitable for the production of table and muscat wines.
History of the plant
Despite the fact that the birth of "ZB" took place in 1889, the manufacturer officially got its name in 1921, when a state farm with the same name was created.
The owners of the state farm were Massandra's specialists. They owned the technology for the accelerated production of sparkling wines.
In 1930, the plant was named "Profinter". The enterprise grew, therefore, over time, the nearby collective farms "Bolshevik" and "Kommunar" became part of it. With the infusion of collective farms, the agricultural company Zolotaya Balka was born.
In 1960, the economy was divided into 2 parts due to different specializations. One of them -"Massandra" - produced wines, and the second - "Zolotaya Balka" - sparkling wines.
In 1968, the production complex was built. Mass production of sparkling wines began, using grapes from local plantations. All vineyards have been preserved so far.
Champagne Methods
"Balka Zolotaya" uses the acratophoric method of manufacturing its products. That is, champagne is obtained in hermetically sealed tanks. The difference between fermentation in tanks and bottles is that in the first variant, the properties and taste qualities of aromatic muscat wines are better preserved.
The French are sure that champagne in both cases provides the same biochemical composition, but after the tank the wine remains fresh.
The capacities of the acratophoric park today allow to produce more than 500 thousand bottles. per month. The specialization of the plant today is sparkling wines. They are as frothy as champagne. The difference is only in taste, which is directly related to the grape variety.
In addition to sparkling wines and champagne, the plant produces table and strong wine.
Production of champagne did not stop even during the Second World War. During water shortages, champagne was delivered to the front line. Soldiers drank it instead of water, military hospitals used it to wash their wounds, and cooks cooked food on it.
Awards
The products of the "Balka Zolotaya" plant participated in many international winemaking competitions and exhibitions, there are manymedals and awards.
In 1995, the company received about 100 awards.
Today, the agricultural firm has five large factories that produce champagne, wine and juices.
Grape varieties
The farm grows the following grape varieties:
- Sylvaner;
- Muscat Italy;
- Pinot Franc, Agadea;
- Traminer pink;
- Hamburg Muscat;
- Chardonnay;
- Early Magarach;
- Sauvignon;
- Karaburnu;
- Riesling Rhine;
- Cardinal.
The main variety for a long time - Aligote. It occupies 230 hectares of the farm.
There is a tasting room in Balaklava, and anyone who wishes, by appointment, can come to an hour and a half lecture with a tasting of ten varieties of wine.
"Balka Zolotaya" plans to expand the range of champagne, which is produced in the usual classic way.
Factory products
- Champagne "Zolotaya Beam" white, brut.
For the production of white brut, 5 grape varieties are used. For the fortress it turns out 11%. The champagne itself has a golden color with a greenish tint, the aroma of meadow herbs and spring flowers, and a light refreshing taste. Beautiful foam and a chain of bubbles speak of the high quality of champagne.
This champagne can be served with fatty cheeses, poultry, seafood, black caviar, various light snacks.
Manufacturer price: 288 rubles.
-Champagne "Zolotaya Beam" semi-dry, white.
7 grape varieties are used for its production. Crystal clear straw-colored champagne with a delicate honey-floral, fruity and peanut aroma. When pouring into glasses, a light foam appears. Fortress - 11%.
This champagne can be served with almond biscuits, lean fish, Japanese sushi, seafood.
Producer price: 283 rubles.
- Champagne "Zolotaya Beam", white, semi-sweet.
Use 8 grape varieties. Fortress - 11%. Golden champagne with sunflower aroma and mild taste.
Served with all fruit desserts.
MSRP: RUB 283.
- Champagne "Zolotaya Balka", red, semi-sweet.
Use 6 grape varieties. Fortress - 11, 5%. Despite the fact that the champagne is red, its color is soft pink. The bouquet is rich. One can feel notes of fruit liqueur, mushrooms, aroma of flowers. Intense biscuit flavor.
Served with red meat dishes, red champagne "Zolotaya Balka".
The price recommended by the manufacturer today: 392 rubles.
- Brut Chardonnay
Use grape variety: Chardonnay. Golden wine with a greenish tint. Fortress - 11%. The aroma has spicy notes, complemented by green apple and pineapple. The taste of the wine is very rich garden and wild fruits. After a sip, there is a long aftertaste of violet.
Pairs well with river fish, cheeses, light salads and cold appetizers. Wine is also suitable foron an empty stomach, as an aperitif.
- Sparkling wine Zolotaya Balka Brut Pinot.
Made from Pinot Franc grapes. Fortress - 11-13%. The wine is pale pink in color with the aroma of fruits and flowers, pear-apple liqueur, mushrooms. Rich creamy taste of biscuit and fruits.
Pairs with seafood, fish cakes, caviar and poultry.
Reviews
Golden Balka products have mostly positive reviews.
Champagne connoisseurs say that Zolotaya Balka's drinks have no alcohol smell and taste, but the taste of good grapes is felt.
Champagne has a moderate amount of gases that do not hit the head, giving an instant effect of intoxication, and the next morning - a headache. Intoxication occurs slowly and gently, which allows you to drink champagne in large quantities without fear for your behavior.
Many people note the absence of chemical aftertaste, flavors and flavor enhancers. Subtle and unobtrusive aroma, the complete absence of a headache in the morning. Easy drinking, pleasant aftertaste.
Today, in terms of "price and quality", the products in question have little competition. The number of awards confirm the high level of sparkling wines.
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