North Caucasus, Russia
The North Caucasus region of Russia is a growing wine region that produces a range of high-quality wines from both local and international grape varietals.
Regional History & Terroir: The North Caucasus region has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the ancient Greeks. The region has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, and a range of soils including clay, limestone, and sandstone. The terroir is characterized by the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, which provide a variety of altitudes and microclimates for grape cultivation.
Typical Grape Varietals: The region is known for growing both local and international grape varietals, including Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Regional Wine Styles: The North Caucasus region produces a range of high-quality wines, including dry, semi-dry, and sweet white wines, as well as full-bodied red wines. The traditional winemaking method of fermentation in oak barrels is still widely used in the region, resulting in complex and rich flavors. The region is also known for its sweet wines, which are made from grapes that have been left on the vine to dry and concentrate their sugars. In addition, the region produces a variety of fruit wines, including cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant wines
