Russia's Oldest Sparkling Wine Producer Begins Grape Harvest
The Abrau-Durso vineyard on Russia's Black Sea has started its 2021 grape harvest.
The winery was founded in 1870 and supplied the Russian Imperial Court in the 19th century.
This year's vintage could be marred by a dispute that erupted in June when Russia turned the tables on France by passing a law that says only Russian bubbly can be called "Champagne," while French Champagne has to be labelled "sparkling wine."
Take a look at our gallery of the production process.
The winery was founded in 1870 and supplied the Russian Imperial Court in the 19th century.
This year's vintage could be marred by a dispute that erupted in June when Russia turned the tables on France by passing a law that says only Russian bubbly can be called "Champagne," while French Champagne has to be labelled "sparkling wine."
Take a look at our gallery of the production process.
The “champagne law” went into action on July 6.
Dmitry Feoktistov / TASS
In 2020, the Russian government passed a law, which made it illegal to produce wine from foreign-grown grapes and call it “Russian.”
Dmitry Feoktistov / TASS
Abrau-Durso sales have been steadily rising in the last 15 years. In 2019 the company sold 43 million bottles of wine.
Dmitry Feoktistov / TASS
In 2020 Abrau-Durso purchased more wineries on the Russian Black Sea coast in order to comply with the new regulations.
Dmitry Feoktistov / TASS
The company hopes to be growing all of its own grapes by 2025.
Dmitry Feoktistov / TASS
Abrau-Durso also produces cognac, olive oil, and still wines.
Dmitry Feoktistov / TASS
Abrau-Durso has a long tradition, and supplied the Russian Imperial Court with bubbly in the 19th century.
Dmitry Feoktistov / TASS
