Crimea is famous not only for its resorts and sanatoriums, but also for its wines. Thanks to the good climate, many grape varieties grow here. Some wineries in Crimea are more than a hundred years old and are widely known outside of Russia. But what drinks should you try first and how do they differ from each other?
Local factories produce a lot of dessert wine. This is a large group that includes Cahors, Port, Sherry, Muscat and several other types. Muscats began to be produced in Crimea back in 1928. This group of wines with a high sugar content is considered the most aromatic. The grapes are harvested at the end of October – at this time they are already beginning to wilt slightly, and the sugar level in the berries rises even more. Muscats produced by Massandra are highly valued: “Castel”, “Livadia” (both white),
black “Massandra” and pink dessert Muscat. Also good are the white and pink Magarach muscats, produced at the factory of the same name.
In strong dessert wines (Madeira, sherry, port) the alcohol content starts at 20%. The raw materials are heated for several years in equipped chambers or under the rays of the sun. Among the ports, there are white Port from Cabernet grapes, red “Yuzhnoberezhny”, which also comes in white, and red port “Livadia”.
Sherry was originally produced only in Spain; This type of wine is distinguished by the special formation of yeast. Among the Crimean sherries, Massandra, Crimean and Magarach are highly valued. These sherries are famous for their rather complex bouquets and at the same time they are recognizable.
Madera – the wine is quite strong, but it contains a small amount of sugar. Madeira “Crimean” with a four-year aging period, “Massandra” (five years of aging) and “Alminskaya” (four years) are widely known. All of them have a bright, characteristic taste and are distinguished by a rich bouquet.
Cahors is a church wine, as it is called. During the production process, the wort is heated to 65 degrees to ensure the fullest and most harmonious taste of the wine. The wine is aged in barrels for at least three years. The most famous Crimean-made Cahors is “Yuzhnoberezhny” produced by Massandra.
Among the usual dessert wines, it is worth mentioning “Golitsyn’s Seventh Heaven”, “Sunny Valley” and “Black Doctor”. Their strength is about 16 vol.%. The Black Doctor wine got its name for a reason: it contains a lot of B vitamins, which suggests its healing properties when consumed in moderation. As for the taste sensations, “Black Doctor” has noticeable notes of vanilla, pear and chocolate. “The Seventh Heaven of Prince Golitsyn” is distinguished by its honey flavor, as well as the aromas of quince and peach.
Distinguish real wine from fake
First of all, pay attention to the place where you buy wine. Well-known and expensive brands sell their wines only in large chains or branded stores. This emphasizes the status of the brand; in addition, it is necessary to comply with all storage conditions for the products.
Then examine the bottle itself; for example, Magarach bottles have a raised brand name. Finally, look at the glass under a bright light: it should be clear and dark, without streaks. There should be a logo on the cork, although its presence can only be known after purchasing the wine.
After opening the bottle and pouring the wine into a glass, evaluate its color and consistency. There should be no sediment or turbidity. The smell should be fruity, with a slight aroma of a wooden barrel. True, such subtleties can be recognized by a person who is more or less knowledgeable about wines. We hope our recommendations will help you decide on the choice of wine and enjoy the wonderful drinks of Crimean factories.
