Ukrainian Wines are quite historic and significant to the history of winemaking.
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This is due to the fact that the Ukraine has a deep history surrounding the wine industry. In fact, there was a large wine culture in the Ukraine as far back as the 4th century BC. More specifically, this culture of Ukrainian wines culminated on the south coast of the Crimea. Fast forward to the 11th century and monks were making wine in the northern part of the country. This took place around the areas of Kiev and Chernihiv.
Wonderful Ukrainian Wineries and Ukrainian Wines
In 1783 the Crimea became a part of the Russian Empire under the rule of Catherine II. During this time Count Mikhail Vorontsov planted the very first wine gardens in 1820. Additionally, he created a large winery located near Yalta. Eight years later, the Viticulture Research Institute Magarach opened.
There are many different vines growing in Ukrainian wine regions. Each with their own varieties of grapes and Ukrainian wines. The main Ukrainian wine regions include Crimea, Balaklava, Massandra, Bessarabia, Carpathian Ruthenia, and many different areas in Southern Ukraine. The main varieties of grapes in the Ukraine are Aligote, Muscat, Isabella, Traminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and finally, Rkatsiteli. There is also a great deal of sparkling Ukrainian wines produced here.
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For example, they are using a secondary fermentation process that results in quite a unique bottle of wine.
Chizay Winery
Built in 1995, this winemaking complex exists in Beregovo. It is in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine on the Chizay gorge near the border of Hungary and the Ukraine. When it comes to Ukrainian wineries, this one is truly a sight for sore eyes. The Ukrainian wines produced here are top-notch. This is because all vines were growing using the most advanced technologies.
The Chizay factory stands apart from other wineries as it is more of a factory complex. Designed to complete the entire winemaking cycle from fermentation to bottling, this plant exists with advanced technology, so it only produces the best quality wines. They chose the location they did because Transcarpathia because this is where wines were in ancient times. Therefore, the owners thought they would take advantage of the mineral-rich soils comprised of volcanic properties.
The vineyards were growing in 2006, and today they care for millions of plants with optimal sun exposure. These plants are in the Beregovo, Irshava, and Mukachevo districts, and cover 272 hectares. They grow grapes of all varieties including the Rhine Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, Muller Thurgau, Traminer pink, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and many others. A visit to Chizay is a historical experience full of big flavors and stories. Enjoy a tasting and a tour of their large winemaking facilities. You can also take in the sights of the Transcarpathian region which is quite the treat.
Cricova Winery
With a history that began in 1952, Cricova is the largest and most astounding wine cellar currently located in Europe. In 1952, there was a shortage of facilities equipped for storing and aging Ukrainian wines. Due to this, there was an ongoing search for places to age wine. Eventually, Moldovan winemakers Petru Ungureanu and Nicolae Sobolev decided this was best carried out in galleries. They suggested using the building stone extraction as warehouses for wine storage. As a result, Cricova was born.
It turns out that at Cricova, all the wine ages in the underground possessed lovely qualities. Therefore, Cricova was a success. Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Moldovan Winemaking’, Cricova has rightfully won over Ukrainian wine fans. When it comes to Ukrainian wineries, this one takes the cake. This company uses the worlds most sophisticated technologies to produce some of the best wine in all the Ukrainian wine regions.
One of the most notable traits of the winery at Cricova is that they are the only ones to produce sparkling Ukrainian wines. When you visit Cricova you are in for a real treat. They are constantly innovating their methods and using new methods to create wines. For example, they are using a secondary fermentation process that results in quite a unique bottle of wine. Inside the factory and winemaking facilities, lies a journey. The factory itself is like a labyrinth with much to see in the way of winemaking and innovation. Enjoy a wine tasting and tour today.
Discovering Ukrainian Wines
The Ukraine has had a full history worth of success in the winemaking industry. These facilities present absolute excellence both in the quality and diversity of the wines they produce. Winemaking is a large part of the heritage in the Ukraine. This is viewable in the Ukrainian wineries spread throughout the lands. For a one-day road trip, it is highly recommended that you pay a visit to the winemaking complexes mentioned prior. They not only provide delicious wines but unforgettable experiences as well.