I came to know that Russian wine producers are taking part in this year’s fair for the first time. So making some time, I visited them to learn a little about wine production there. The sparkling wines from Abrau-Durso came as a pleasant surprise.
The exhibitors highlighted that this is the oldest and largest Russian Sparkling Wine House. It came into existence via an Imperial edict by Tsar Alezander ll in 1870. Since then, it has been serving the powers that be from those of the Russian Imperial Court to present day Heads of State.
French winemaking know-how plays an important role in the crafting of these sparkling wines. ‘Methode tradionelle’ has been embraced since 1896 (under the influence of Prince Lev Golitsyn). These wines, when undergoing secondary fermentation in bottles, are kept in mountain tunnels which run over 5.5 kilometres!
This winery also operates Hotel Imperial (on the banks of Lake Abrau) to facilitate the 120,000 visitors who drop by annually to learn about its history and to taste its offerings. Abrau-Durso produces the following labels:
Abrau-Durso Cuvee Alexander ll, Brut (made with Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Pinot noir).
Abrau-Durso Cuvee Alexander ll, Brut Rose (made with Pinor Noir).
Abrau-Durso Victor Dravigny, Rouge, Semi-sweet (made with Cabernet Sauvignon).
Champagne Foliage, Extra Brut (made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier).
Abrau-Durso Russian Sparkling Wine, Brut (made with Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Aligote and Riesling).
Abrau-Durso Russian Sparkling Wine, Demi-sec (made with Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Aligote and Riesling).
Pleasant in palate and of good structure, I learnt from the exhibitors that these sparkling wines can be found in Singapore at Buyan Russian Restaurant & Caviar Bar, 9 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089593.
Go check them out this festive season :)
To view pictures taken at this year's fair you can go to the following links:
Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2012, Day 1
Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2012, Day 2
Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2012, Day 3
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