Russia, wine and regions with Leonid Popovich
This show was published 29 September 2012
- Russia, wine and regions with Leonid Popovich
Overview
Leonid Popovich, President of the Russian Union of Wine Growers and Winemakers, talks to us about the wine scene in Russia which is based mainly around the triangle of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. There are around 150-180 wineries with 63,000 hectares of vineyard. 80% of production is from about 25 wineries, the rest are much smaller winemakers and farmers.
We talk about the history of winemaking in the Soviet Union when wineries were under state control. Since the break up from 1992 to 2000 wineries received no support from government so many struggled to survive. But since 2000 existing companies had new ownership with more business focus and brand new companies were started up from scratch and so the industry is much more dynamic nowadays.
The main grapes are indigenous varieties but many international varieties are being planted such as Cabernet Sauvignon (the most popular), Merlot and Pinot Noir. Aligote and Chardonnay are popular white varieties. We find out about Russian drinking habits and how wine is becoming a more healthy alternative to vodka!
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Music
The music used for the UK Wine Show is Griffes de Jingle 1 by Marcel de la Jartèle and Silence by Etoile Noire.