Had no idea they make WINE in RUSSIA

Fascinating series of profiles here. http://www.wineterroirs.com/

Really? Why wouldn't they make wine in Russia?

They make quite a bit. Some of it is even good.

They've had a long history in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, the whole Caucasus region. They've been doing it as long as the non-USSR countries of Euro-Asia have; you just haven't seen a lot of imports broad market, thassall.

Interesting, I was recently checking to see if Hawaii and Alaska have wineries - they do.

The aptly named Volcano Wines in Hawaii (http://www.volcanowinery.com/wines.htm and Denali Winery in Alaska (http://alaskadenaliwinery.com/index.html. Not mentioned on their website, I'm guessing that Denali buys grapes from the lower 48 (probably Washington). Bear Creek Winery http://bearcreekwinery.com/home does state "although we do not grow grapes here, we do grow, pick and process some of the best berries in the world". And they have won "five awards" so the wine must be good.

... they have won "five awards" so the wine must be good.

To which I respond, as does Santa Claus, with a hearty "ho, ho, ho".

Best
Rogov

Hoke: I've actually tasted some Georgian wines.

I've even seen some Romanian and Bulgarian bottles at Corti Brothers.

... they have won "five awards" so the wine must be good.

To which I respond, as does Santa Claus, with a hearty "ho, ho, ho".

Best
Rogov

Hey! They won the Homer, Alaska "Most Attractive Business" Award. So there!

The legendary Dr. Konstantin Frank learned viticulture in Odessa (souther Ukraine) before coming to the Finger Lakes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konstantin_Frank.

With re wines from Bulgaria, I made a trip there towards the end of July. Many very positive surprises. My article about that visit can be found on my side of the forum at
viewtopic.php?f=29&t=33965

As to Russian and Georgian wine, I have had quite a few tastings in recent years. Indeed great strides are being made but even more effort is needed before they produce very many world-class wines. To date, as in Greece and Turkey, the best of the Russian and Georgian wines are coming from boutique or garagiste wineries, some of whose owner-winemakers obtained formal education and at least some work experience in Italy, France or the USA.

Best
Rogov

When I lived in the UK, the iron curtain hadn't yet come down (it happened while I was there) and the standard cheap reds from the Tesco or Oddbins were Bulgarian or Romanian, often Merlot or Cabernet, occasionally some with local varieties. We are talking wines in the low single pound range, often found at receptions or student parties. Even though these were the products of some state-owned combine, they were good enough to make one wonder what these regions could do with a more artisanal approach.

I recall some wine writers claiming that Romania would be a great place to grow Pinot Noir, but I haven't heard if any progress has been made in this area. There is some appalling PN made under the Vampire label.....

Some of the native grapes from places like Georgia (Saperavi, Rkatsitelli, etc.) would be worth getting to know better.

Really? Why wouldn't they make wine in Russia?

They make quite a bit. Some of it is even good.

They've had a long history in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, the whole Caucasus region. They've been doing it as long as the non-USSR countries of Euro-Asia have; you just haven't seen a lot of imports broad market, thassall.

Youv'e obviously tasted more Russian wine then I have. The best I've ever tasted I would rate as "drinkable". No superlatives or even close.

I did try one bottle of Saperavi this year that was kinda nice. Not thrilling, but light, peppery, pleasant in an almost Northern Rhone Syrah-sh way like a cheaper Saint Joseph. I would try it again.