Russia is not a wine-making country at all. We are strong in vodka, but weaker alcoholic drinks are overwhelmingly imported. Wine in our mentality is surrounded by a certain halo of exceptional elitism, and often, going on vacation or a business trip abroad, friends and relatives ask them to bring as a present a bottle of “something ... good.” You agree, but when you go to the most ordinary store, you’re lost. Hundreds, if not thousands of items from different continents, countries and even regions. What to choose? You will put the seller in a stupor if you just come up and say: "Advise a good wine."
Because in response to this request you will certainly hear a counter-question: “What wine do you prefer? White, red, maybe pink? Young or mature? Dry, semi-sweet, dessert, liquor? ” Indeed, good wine can be different, regardless of the grape variety or blend, the region of the vine, the aging period or even the year of harvest. To begin with, the product should be made from wort, not pulp. Some unscrupulous winemakers fill the meal with water, wait for fermentation and make a product on the label of which also means the word "wine", but in small print it is attributed: "from wine materials".
The second rule when choosing a quality product is not to focus on cost. The most expensive is not the best wine yet . The pricing of alcohol is often influenced by customs duties, the beauty of packaging, intermediary wrapping, supplier purchase prices. In order to get a tasty thin drink at an affordable price, it is best to buy the wines of the country in which you are currently located, and even the region in which you reside.
Take France, for example. In this region, a centuries-old tradition of growing various varieties of vines has developed, which has been superimposed on modern achievements in developing a high-quality product. Do not be afraid to buy “alien” varieties there: Syrah (or Shiraz), Temranillo or Sangiovese. On the fertile soil of Bergerac, Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley or the Pas d'Oc, Persian or Italian grapes turned into a good wine with a characteristic taste. But, of course, Cabernet and Sauvignon will be more authentic.
If you are in Burgundy, it’s nice to buy a few bottles from Bon (not to be confused with the German Bonn). A win-win option would be gamay, pinot franc and pinot noir. Good wine is produced in Bordeaux, Cahors, Languedoc, Roussillon. In Spain, the region of Rioja and La Mancha is famous for its delightful red wines. From a trip to Madeira Island, be sure to bring the drink of the same name, as well as port from Portugal. If you are in Germany but prefer red wines, the Ar Valley will provide a wide range of excellent products.
A good white wine should be light and tender. Its most exquisite qualities are most clearly manifested in cool lands: the Rhine and Moselle Rieslings in Germany, the Veneto in the Venice region, French Champagne champagne , a blanket from Limu, and sherry from Spain. In Burgundy, the chardonnay reached the peak of its taste in Grand Cru drinks, but in the usual regional forms it is also wonderful. Central and Eastern Europe - Hungary, Bulgaria and even Moldova and Ukraine can also give you very good wines. Try Tokay, drinks from Cricova cellars, Crimean dessert and liqueur wines “Black Doctor”, “White Muscat of Red Stone”.