Ukraine’s vast territory means different climate zones. It also means the range of grapes grown in the country is vast.
From Chardonnay to Riesling and form Pinot Noir to Saperavi. Ukraine does a decent version of many internationally known varieties. But did you know Ukraine has many own grapes?
From the whites, try the Citronny Magarach – as the name suggests, citric notes can be found in the wine. The grape produces high-quality and light white wines, perfect for summer feasts.
https://winesfromukraine.com/product/citron-magaracha/
Telti Kuruk (meaning fox’s tale in Crimean Tatar language) is a more refined white, producing crisp wines with high acidity and mineral notes. Telti Kuruk wines are usually excellent companion to seafood.
https://winesfromukraine.com/product/beykush-telti-kuruk/
Sukholimanske (or Odesa White) is cross between Chardonnay and Plavay varieties. The wine is light, with notes of tropical fruit. Sukholimanske wines are usually fresh.
https://winesfromukraine.com/product/sukholimanskiy/
With the reds, by far the biggest success story is the Odesa Black (or Alibernet) grape. The grape is a hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet and it is the most grown local grape in Ukraine by far.
Odesa Black is a powerful grape, giving wine with notes of blackberry, plum, but also black pepper, spice and smoke. The colour is especially deep with dark purple tones.
Different wine masters produce very different Odesa Black. Some is spends a long time in oak, but unoaked versions can have deep green vegetable notes. A few sparkling wines have also been produced from the grape, but currently there is still much room for improvement in this area.
