Abkhazian wines: modern technologies and thousand-year traditions

Such a craft as winemaking in Abkhaziahas been flourishing long ago. It is even believed that the Abkhazian wines were made before our era. The skillful traditions of making wines have been passed from one generation to another, they can rightfully be called age-old. Many varieties of grapes are grown only here, in places with a favorable subtropical climate. The Abkhazian wine in every particular region of the country differs from wines in other provinces.

Individuality of varieties is caused by the fact thatimported once into the country species were mixed with local varieties, such as "ayasarhua", "kachich", etc. As a result, such wines were obtained, which nowhere else produce, although they carry well-known and common names, for example: Chhaveri, Isabella, Aligote. To judge the antiquity of winemaking in Abkhazia, multiple excavations allow. In their course, clay vessels were found, in which wine was placed for further fermentation. They were used about 8,000 years ago. Such traditions of wine making are still alive, but in this way they are mostly used in the household.

A few words about technology

Abkhazian wines are now in mass productionare manufactured using the latest technologies. Collection of grapes, depending on varieties, occurs from October to December. Further, the collected clusters are pressed and left in a wooden trough for 3-4 days for fermentation. After this, the contents are poured without any additives into the drums or ceramic amphorae for subsequent exposure. Abkhazian wines play a significant role in various festivities. For example, on New Year's Day (celebrated according to the old Christian calendar from January 13th to the 14th), on the evening of January 13, print the amphora with wine, cover a delicious table and cut the goat necessarily. Variety of wine varieties in Abkhazia is amazing.

Each region of this country boastsits own variety. The most favorite wine is from the provinces of Lõhny, Harp and Achandara. Abkhazian wine can be bought in any corner of the world - so it is known and popular. One of the factories engaged in the industrial production of wine is the Sukhumi winery. In 1999 it was reconstructed and equipped with the latest equipment. Now a year it produces about 2.5 million bottles. Abkhazian wines regularly receive the highest awards at exhibitions of Russian and international level. An excellent combination of price and quality helps them stay in demand. Wine can be purchased for both a table and a gift - for example, to buy a wonderful bottle in a souvenir box made of persimmon tree.

Description of some Abkhazian wines

• "Lykhny" - red semisweet wine. It is produced from grapes of the "Isabella" variety since 1962 (it has crepe 9-11 degrees);

• "Radeda" - natural red dry wine, produced from the grape variety "Isabella" (has a strength of 10-12 degrees);

• Escher - natural red semi-dry wine. It is made from "Isabella" and other red varieties (has a strength of 9-11 degrees);

• "Bouquet of Abkhazia" - dessert red wine from "Isabella" (has a strength of 16 degrees). It is produced since 1929. All the wines of Abkhazia unite the unique taste, fresh and light aroma.