Wines of Abkhazia: names and characteristics of varieties

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 00:50

Researchers found out that even a few thousand years before our era, people were engaged in winemaking on the territory of Abkhazia. This is evidenced by many found objects, for example, a number of jugs in which there were grape seeds. The capital of Abkhazia is now called Sukhum. However, in those days when it was called Dioscuriades, it was considered the center of winemaking. Semi-sweet wines were made in Dioscurias, which were supplied to Ancient Rome.

In the post-Soviet space, Crimean and Georgian alcoholic drinks are valued. However, it is worth noting that Abkhazian alcoholic drinks also have a very good reputation, earned over the years. Abkhazia is a small country. However, despite this, it has a certain status in the wine industry.

Climate and characteristics of Abkhazian grape varieties

If we talk about the climate of Abkhazia, it is considered unfavorable for growing grapes. After all, there is a large amount of precipitation, as well as high humidity and temperature. Due to this climate when growinggrapes have to deal with problems such as cracking of berries and fungal diseases. For these reasons, in Abkhazia, they mainly grow only two varieties of grapes:

• Isabella - red variety, American;
• Tsolikouri - white variety, Abkhazian.

There is such a thing as a native grape variety. What does he represent? This is a grape variety that shows its best qualities when grown in Abkhazia. The most famous native varieties of Abkhazia are Auasyrkhua and Kachich, but they are not planted for industrial purposes.

Features and traditions

The soil in Abkhazia is very diverse, so the vineyards are located both on the plains and on the slopes of the hills and even on the Black Sea coast. People living in this country perceive winemaking as a kind of hobby. However, the industrial production of alcohol appeared already in the 20s of the 20th century.

In Abkhazia, wines are divided into two categories, each of which has its own characteristics. "Female" drinks have a sweet taste and no less sweet aroma. For "male" wines, tart and enveloping taste sensations are characteristic.

If you want to taste the true traditional product of Abkhazia, you will have to invite yourself to visit the Abkhazians. For the preparation of wines, local winemakers still use family traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Such drinks are characterized by lightness in taste, freshness and depth of aroma.

Names of wines of Abkhazia

If you are lucky enough to be in Abkhazia, then in addition to the fact that you will get a great opportunity to recharge your batteries from the nature around you and relax on the beach by the sea, you will get a unique opportunity to taste traditional wine.

The most famous red wines of Abkhazia are made from Isabella grapes. Abkhazians also love white. However, it is produced less than red wines. The most popular red and white wines of Abkhazia are shown in the table.

Name	Color	View	Used grape varieties	Fortress	Year of release of the first batch
Chegem	red	dry	Cabernet	10-12 %	2002
Radeda	red	dry	Isabella	10-12 %	2002
"Escher"	red	semi-dry	Isabella + other reds	9-11 %	2002
Amra	red	semi-dry	Blend of several grape varieties, mostly European	9-11 %	2002
Achandara	red	sparkling	Isabella	11-13 %	1981
Apsny	red	semi-sweet	Cabernet, Merlot and Saperavi	9-11 %	1970
Lykhny	red	semi-sweet	Isabella	9-11 %	1962
"Bouquet of Abkhazia"	red	dessert	Isabella	16 %	1929
"Dioscuria"	white	dry	selected white grapes	10-12 %	2002
"Anakopiya"	white	semi-dry	Riesling and Rkatsiteli	9-11 %	1978
"Psou"	white	semi-sweet	Sauvignon, Riesling and Aligote	9-11 %	1962

Lykhny

The Abkhazian wine "Lykhny" has considerable popularity. It is a red semi-sweet alcohol. For its manufacture, only one type of grape is used - Isabella. The composition of the wine "Lykhny":

• natural alcohol with a strength of 9-11%;
• natural sugar from berries;
• Isabella grapes (100%).

This product has earned the title of "prince of wine drinks" due to its unique velvety taste and aroma, which is associated with strawberries. "Lykhny" was popular among noble people during the Soviet era. Therefore, it could often be observed at various events of Mikoyan and Brezhnev, which proves the special value of such a product. Such a drink can also often be seen at solemn Abkhaz events.

"Lykhny" is usually served with fruit cuts and meat dishes. The wine will open perfectly due to the correct serving.

The strength is 9-11%, the volume of the bottle is 0.75 liters. It is recommended to cool the wine to 16-18 degrees before serving. The cost of "Lykhna" is acceptable and is approximately $8.5.

History of the name

The wine got its unusual name in honor of the famous wine-growing region of Abkhazia, which is characterized by unique climate features. Previously, only wild varieties of grapes grew in this area, but after a while the American variety Isabella was brought here, which suited the local soil very well. Some time later, the Isabella variety crossed with a native grape variety, which was the reason for the creation of a unique variety.

Without exaggeration, it can be argued that such a wine is created for taste pleasure and deserves respect from consumers. Many people think that "Lykhny" is perfectperfect for a romantic evening.

Bouquet of Abkhazia

Wine "Bouquet of Abkhazia" is a red dessert wine. For its manufacture, the Isabella variety is used. 140 grams of sugar is added to one liter of alcohol. The wine has a velvety taste with a pronounced cherry flavor, and notes of fruit are heard in the smell. An important characteristic of this product is its dark garnet color. After all, it was because of him that the drink acquired a second name - “black wine”.

The best addition to this drink will be a dessert dish, as well as sliced fruit. In Abkhazia, the local population offers foreigners to drink "Bouquet of Abkhazia" in order to speak Abkhazian. The strength of the wine is 16%. Volume - 0, 7 liters. The price ranges from $15 to $20.

Reviews

Surprisingly, reviews of this wine of Abkhazia are negative. They are justified by the fact that such alcohol does not have a characteristic aftertaste in principle, and the characteristic taste of Isabella is not felt at all. It is strange that the Abkhaz themselves are not particularly eager to use the “Bouquet of Abkhazia”. It is said to have a rough taste and a heavy aftertaste, as well as a smell of alcohol.

What are the producers of "Bouquet of Abkhazia" proud of?

The product is manufactured by Wines and Waters of Abkhazia, which owns a number of wineries, some of which are exclusively dedicated to the production of Bouquet of Abkhazia.

The first bottle of "Bouquet of Abkhazia" was made in 1929. During the Soviet Union, wine received many awards, includingnumber and abroad. One of the most important awards is a bronze medal (2001), received at the international competition "Industry of Drinks 2001", which was held in Moscow. An equally important award is the gold medal (2000) received at the international exhibition “Wine. Vodka. Tobacco”, which was held in Sochi.

Apsny

Another popular wine of Abkhazia is Apsny. It is a semi-sweet red table wine that requires three varieties to make: Cabernet, Merlot and Saperavi. Thanks to the fusion of three varieties, the taste becomes unique. A distinctive feature is the presence of sweet-tart taste sensations, there are also notes of blackcurrant berries, the drink is quite rich. The wine has an unimaginable aroma and color depth.

The delicate taste of the drink is obtained exclusively due to the technology of preparation. After all, the wine belongs to the category of naturally sweet varieties, therefore, it does not contain any additives. At the end of October, the picking of berries begins, since it is at this time that they reach their maximum sugar content.

Before serving, the wine must be cooled to 16-18 degrees and served in classic glasses. "Apsny" will complement meat dishes, especially fried meat, cheese cuts, hot dishes, homemade cakes, chocolate desserts and fruit cuts. It is recommended to serve chilled.

The fortress is 9-10%. After opening, the drink is recommended to be stored in the refrigerator for a day. The cost of such a drink is about 15$.

What are Apsny wine producers proud of?

Winemakers say that Apsny, along with Lykhny, is considered a symbol of a feast in Abkhazia. This is a kind of pride of the Abkhazians. If we talk about the name of this product, then in translation it means "country of the soul." The first batch was produced in 1970.

Producers of "Apsny" have something to be proud of. After all, their offspring in 2001 at the Moscow International Forum received a gold medal, and this is not the only award. By the way, such alcohol is produced at the Sukhumi winery. An interesting fact is that the man with a wine horn depicted on the Apsny label is not just an invention of the artist, but an image of a relic found on the territory of Abkhazia.

Psou is the perfect drink

Wine "Psou" in Abkhazia is considered quite common. It is a white semi-sweet drink made from three types of grapes: Sauvignon, Riesling and Aligote. The production of elite alcohol is not an easy task. However, in Abkhazia, a certain principle was revealed that allows you to get wine with an unusually delicate bouquet of floral aromas and moderately sweet taste. Psou is characterized by a delicate fruity taste and floral aroma. The color is light straw and without any impurities.

The drink will perfectly complement meat dishes, for example, kebabs, game, and is also suitable for fish dishes and desserts, like many other wines, it will make a good duet of fruit and cheese cuts. Refrigerate before serving.

If we talk about the technology itself, then grape varieties are selected for production and the berries are passed through a press. Thanks to this technology, the berries are crushed while maintaining the integrity of the seeds. This is very important, because when the seeds are crushed, a tart aftertaste appears. The resulting juice is poured into oak barrels and left for about two weeks to ferment. At the end of the period, the drink is brought to perfection by cleaning and mixing.

Back in 2003 at the exhibition of Kuban wines "Psou" received a gold medal. Such alcohol is the owner of two silver medals, which were won at the world exhibition of tasting wines.

Fortress - 9-11%. Volume - 0, 75 liters. The price is approximately $8.5.