Sun in a glass: the best wines of the Crimean Peninsula

Crimean wines are one of the hallmarks of the peninsula. The unique climatic and geographical features of this region allow the cultivation of varieties used for the preparation of different types of wines. And the centuries-old history of Crimean winemaking, dating back to the ancient Greeks, indicates that they know a lot about preparing this noble drink. The best wines of Crimea and how to distinguish real Crimean wine from fake will be discussed further.

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Photo gallery: Sun in a glass: the best wines of the Crimean Peninsula

Crimean wines: features of growth

The unique taste and beneficial properties of Crimean wine are explained primarily by the geographical specifics of this region. The fact is that on a small territory of the peninsula there are several microzones, the location of which makes it possible to grow different varieties of grapes. For example, the abundance of sun and mild climate of the southern coast contribute to the ripening of grapes used for making dessert wines, muscats, madeiras, sherry and port wines. But the best dry table wines of Crimea are obtained from vines growing in the river valleys: Chernaya, Kacha, Alma, Belbek. Unique table varieties are also grown in the steppe part of the peninsula, whose fertile soils contribute to high yields and industrial winemaking.

In addition, both native grape varieties and selected and imported elite vines grow in Crimea, many of which are not found anywhere else in the post-Soviet space.

The best Crimean wine producers

While vacationing on the peninsula, most tourists get the impression that wine is prepared here in almost every house. At markets, beaches and even bus stops, the local population offers to try “real” Crimean wine. But we strongly recommend that you refrain from such experiments, which often end with getting to know the nearest medical posts, and give preference to wines and cognacs from trusted producers.

Thus, among the best wineries in Crimea, named by the Magarach Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking, 7 brands can be noted:

• "Massandra"
• "Magarach"
• "New World"
• "Koktebel"
• "Inkerman"
• "Sunny Valley"
• "Golden Beam"

It is these producers, according to the results of special research, who make wine entirely or partially from grape must, without the use of powdered raw materials and harmful chemical additives. In addition, they monitor the quality of their products and provide a high level of protection against counterfeiting. You can buy wine of the above brands on the peninsula both in the manufacturer’s branded stores and in regular supermarkets.

The best Crimean wines

If we talk about the best wines of Crimea, then among the huge variety of products, everyone, focusing on personal taste preferences, will be able to find a drink to their liking. But there are also recognized elite varieties that have earned world awards and the love of generations of connoisseurs of this noble drink. For example, one of the most famous sparkling Crimean wines is the creation of Prince Lev Golitsyn, who at one time headed the Novy Svet winery - Novosvetskoye Champagne. Having received the Grand Prix back in 1900 at the World Exhibition in Paris, this champagne was the pride of Lev Sergeevich. Later renamed “Sovetskoe,” the sparkling wine became a kind of symbol of the triumph of domestic winemakers. Unfortunately, today the vine from which the unique “Novosvetskoe” was produced has been lost forever and the modern recipe for “Sovetskoye” has nothing in common with Golitsinsky.

But today we still have access to another princely masterpiece produced by the Massandra Winery - “The Seventh Heaven of Prince Golitsyn.” According to legend, Lev Sergeevich accidentally tasted the contents of a barrel into which waste and substandard material was poured. Golitsyn liked the bright taste of the drink so much that he spent the next 15 years of his life restoring the unique recipe, which included many ingredients. Thanks to such dedication and perseverance, we can still enjoy the unique honey taste of this white dessert wine with aromas of peach and quince.

Connoisseurs of strong red wine should definitely try another famous Crimean masterpiece – “Black Doctor”. This drink is a unique brand of TM “Solnechnaya Dolina”. The wine got its name due to its healing properties. “Black Doctor” is rich in B vitamins, organic acids, and biologically active substances. Due to this, this drink in moderate doses has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and improves overall tone. According to legend, the main grape variety used in its production was bred by a doctor who lived in Sun Valley. He was known as a true healer and a skilled winemaker. And the wine was called “black” because of its dark, almost black, ruby ​​hue. As for the bouquet, the “doctor” has a very rich and harmonious taste. It contains notes of chocolate, vanilla, cream, prunes, pear, mulberry.

Wine tourism in Crimea

Of course, the above varieties are elite wines that not all guests of the peninsula can afford. The average tourist is interested in the more affordable, but no less high-quality, Crimean wines for which this southern region is so famous.

Massandra is considered the most famous wine brand among visitors. The wine from this producer has a rich natural taste and mild effect. The main specialization of the plant is sweet dessert and strong dessert wines. For example, Massandra port wines (red and white), sherry and Madeira are always popular among tourists.

No less famous is the Crimean brand “Magarach”, located on the basis of the Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking. Its products are represented by both elite vintage samples and table and dessert wines for a wide range of consumers. Magarach also produces sparkling wines and cognacs, the quality of which has been noted by experts from around the world. Among the most popular products of this brand are dry and semi-sweet wines, which fully convey the light character of the sunny peninsula.

If we talk separately about wine tourism, it is quite developed in Crimea. A rare excursion route is complete without visiting wine tasting rooms. Particularly popular are visits to famous wineries “Massandra”, “Inkerman”, “Magarach”, specially organized for tourists. There are also wine museums in Crimea, the most famous of which is located in Yevpatoria.

How to distinguish real Crimean wine from a fake?

Firstly, you need to buy wine products exclusively in branded stores and supermarkets. Remember, not a single self-respecting brand sells its products in markets and under the counter. This is explained by the need for proper storage of bottles with a noble drink, failure to comply with which can significantly affect the taste and color of the product.

Secondly, branded products have several degrees of protection. For example, Magarach bottles wine only in characteristic bottles with a convex double-sided brand name and a raised concave bottom. Information on wine protection can be found on the manufacturer’s official website.

Third, carefully examine the appearance of the product. The color of the glass of a good bottle of wine should be transparent, but dark to protect its contents from direct sunlight. In addition, a high-quality drink is always sealed with a natural cork with the logo of the manufacturer. If there is no logo on the cork, then this is a substandard product that should be sold at a lower price.

And fourthly, high-quality wine can always be distinguished by color and smell. You might argue that it's also a matter of taste. But, alas, the quality of modern flavoring additives can easily deceive inexperienced sommeliers. But it is quite difficult to achieve the correct color, which is characteristic of a certain type of wine or combination of varieties, even with dyes. Not to mention the smell: the real drink has a pleasant aroma of wooden barrels with soft notes of fruit. While fakes “smell” of alcohol.

We hope that the information you have calculated and advice on choosing quality products will help you navigate the huge range of Crimean wines. And the next time you visit this amazing peninsula, you will definitely take a bottle of Crimean wine with you from your vacation, which will remind you of this unique place!