Abkhazian Indigenous Wines Showcased at Prestigious Bordeaux Exhibition
SUKHUM / AQW’A — Wines crafted from Abkhazia's indigenous grape varieties have made their debut at the prestigious Vinitech-Sifel 2024 exhibition in Bordeaux, France, according to Laura Tarnava, Creative Director of the Abkhazian Association of Winemakers and Viticulturists.
The event brought together a diverse audience, including oenologists, winemakers, sommeliers, wine critics, and students from leading enology universities. This marked a significant milestone for Abkhazia's wine industry as representatives introduced unique wines produced from native grape varieties, such as "Kachich" and "Aghbazh."
“Our focus was on showcasing wines made exclusively from indigenous grape varieties,” Tarnava said. “These wines stand apart in flavour from European varieties, offering a distinctive experience for visitors. The positive reception reaffirmed the exceptional potential of our native grapes, underscoring the need to continue developing in this direction.”
The exhibition provided an invaluable platform for Abkhazian winemakers to demonstrate the richness of their local viticulture, attracting keen interest from international wine experts. Tarnava emphasised the importance of promoting these native varieties to further position Abkhazia as a unique player in the global wine industry.
This initiative highlights the growing recognition of Abkhazia’s winemaking heritage and its potential to contribute to the world of fine wines.