Grape Varieties

Grape Varieties Ukraine

The Ukrainian climate is suitable for cultivating grapes. Mild temperature, fertile soil, and advanced technology: what else is needed for success?

There are dozens of Ukrainian grape types: both natural and hybrid. Every year, scientists from Ukrainian Winemaking Institute improve the quality of varieties and increase their quantity. Thus, International wine experts highly rate Ukrainian grape varieties and wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon ( Ukraine)

1/10

The taste:

Blackcurrant, cherry, blueberry, cedar

Aroma:

Black currant, blueberry, blackberry, spices, chocolate

Type of wine:

Red wine grape variety, dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet

Color:

Ruby with red tint

Cabernet Sauvignon appeared in the 17th century in the province of Bordeaux. It is one of the most famous red wine grape varieties on the planet, and its wines are widely distributed worldwide. Cabernet Sauvignon is mainly grown in warm gravel soils. Gravel accumulates heat during the day and releases it at night when the temperature drops.  The wine goes well with game dishes. Ukrainian wine producers highlight the following Cabernet-Sauvignon wine features: spicy shade, notes of blackberry, mulberry, and black currant aroma. 

Sauvignon Blanc (Ukraine)

2/10

The taste:

Gooseberry, citrus, papaya, banana, coconut, bell pepper, asparagus, melon, mint, lemongrass

Aroma:

A pronounced herbal aroma, reminiscent of the smell of tomato leaves, wonderfully combined with the aromas of tropical fruits (passion fruit) and the tone of "cat's marks"

Type of wine:

White wine grape variety, dry, semi-dry, sparkling

Color:

Light straw

Sauvignon Blanc is a white-wine grape that was successfully cultivated in western France, presumably in ancient times, and then spread worldwide. This grape variety is widely used in many countries, and Ukraine is no exception. You can find it in the Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson vineyards.  It is noteworthy that the Sauvignon Blanc wine taste depends on the place where the grape was grown. Ukrainian wine usually has a yellow-lemon color with a greenish tint. The taste is harmonious, with a light, smooth texture, rich fruity-floral notes, and refreshing acidity. The fresh aroma of wine is filled with notes of pineapple and green apples. The wine goes well with salads, seafood, and fish dishes. 

Merlot( Ukraine)

3/10

The taste:

Plum, blueberry, cherry

Aroma:

Berries (blackberries, cherries, raspberries), violet and wild plum, plum jam

Type of wine:

Dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet

Color:

Purplish red

It is a black grape from Bordeaux, France. Merlot was an inevitable element of winemaking in the early 19th century. Nowadays, this variety is still popular and produced worldwide. Merlot is relatively large in size and weight. Berries are smooth and rounded. Aromas of berries, wild plum, cocoa, and coffee dominate in young Merlot wine; The main features of aged wine are aromas of figs, chocolate, and black pepper. In general, Merlot goes well with chicken and other light meats.

Citron Magarach

4/10

The taste:

Harmonious, with a strongly pronounced citron-nutmeg aroma

Aroma:

Citrus tones are dominated by orange and lime, which are easily guessed notes of banana and pineapple

Type of wine:

White wine grape variety, dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sparkling

Color:

Light straw to amber yellow

The grape variety is an invention of the Crimean Institute of Wine and Grapes, bred in the 70s of the twentieth century. A frost-resistant grape variety of early medium ripening. The taste is harmonious, with a citron-nutmeg aroma. The bouquet of wine is constantly bright with unique tones of flowers and lime. The taste is light & harmonious; light straw color, sometimes, can be with a slight pink tint.

Telti-Kuruk

5/10

The taste:

Refreshing, light mineral taste with elegant tones of the South African feijoa fruit

Aroma:

Delicate floral aroma, refreshing, light mineral taste with elegant tones of the South African feijoa fruit.

Type of wine:

White wine grape variety, Dry

Color:

Straw color

Telti-Kurus is a Ukrainian rare and unique variety of white grapes. It is noteworthy that the variety got its name due to the unusual shape of the bunch and translated from Turkish as a foxtail. Growing on sandy and loamy soils in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions. The total area of the vineyard of this unique variety is about 70 hectares. A wine of bright pale-yellow color with mineral and elegant flavor and refreshing creamy taste. The main aroma is the floral aroma of quince. This wine goes well with fish, shrimps, and grilled vegetables.

Riesling

6/10

The taste:

Green apple, peach, dried apricots, honey

Aroma:

Floral (white flowers, rose petals), herbaceous (mowed grass), fruity (green apple, grapefruit, pear, peach, apricot), sometimes tropical fruit notes

Type of wine:

White wine grape variety, dry, semi-dry, sparkling

Color:

Pale yellow with a golden hue

The first mention of Riesling Grape dates back to medieval times, the XV century. According to some historical research, the variety was cultivated on the banks of the Rehn River. It is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas. It makes dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and sparkling white wines. The Riesling Grape and its wine are widespread in Ukraine: in Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions. Ukrainian wine producers note that the wine taste has light mineral tones that gradually become a fruity aftertaste; the aroma is fresh and bright, with dominant mango tones. This wine goes well with soft and hard cheeses, pate, and fish. 

Aligote

7/10

The taste:

Apple, lemon, orange, grapefruit, herbs

Aroma:

Apple, orange, grapefruit, locust, honey, almond

Type of wine:

White wine grape variety, dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sparkling

Color:

Light golden color

Aligote is a worldwide famous Western European variety, which also has roots in Ukraine. This variety was bred by French winemakers more than 300 years ago!  This is a technical variety of the medium-early ripening period; it is used for making table wines, champagne, and juices. Leaf of medium size, rounded, berries are yellow-greenish with dark brown spots. The Aligote White Wine is usually sour, with herbs and even apple and lemon aromas. It goes well with fried fish, oysters, goat cheese, salads or steamed vegetables, snails with garlic butter, ham, chicken in a creamy sauce, and spicy pastries.

Sukholymanskyi bilyi

8/10

The taste:

Harmonious, with tones of lime, lychee and nutmeg, with notes of quince and light acidity in the aftertaste

Aroma:

Lime, lychee and nutmeg, with notes of quince

Type of wine:

White wine grape variety, dry, semi-dry, sparkling

Color:

Light straw color

This local grape variety was created at the legendary Tairov Institute of Viticulture in 1969. Such a famous and stunning Ukrainian variety! The main growing area is the Odesa region and Crimea. It is also well-known in Eastern European states. In the Odessa region, berries usually ripen at the end of the second - beginning of the third decade of September. The yield is high and stable.  White table wine Sukholymanskyi bilyi has a light straw color and a bright varietal bouquet. The aroma is fruity, with white plum, pear, and hazelnut notes. The taste of wine has delicate notes of lime and lychee with a pleasant acidity finish. Wine is perfectly combined with light salads and soft cheeses.

Odesa Black (Odes'kyi chornyi or Aliberne)

9/10

The taste:

Full-bodied, with ripe tannins, with tones of aging and dried fruit, a pleasant fruity aftertaste

Aroma:

Multifaceted, spicy, with tones of mulberry, black berries and smoky notes

Type of wine:

Red wine grape variety, dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet

Color:

Wine of dark ruby color with cherry hues

Aliberne was introduced in Ukraine in the world-famous winery institute in Tairove Village. This grape variety is relatively young: it was bred in 1950. But despite its young age, Aliberne gained popularity in the wineries of many Eastern Europe nations. In Ukraine, it is widely spread in Odesa and Mykolaiv Regions. This is a late grape variety; berries ripen in late September - early October. Yields are pretty stable. Aliberne is used to produce high-quality red dry and dessert wines and can be turned into excellent varieties of red, dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines. The wine has an intensely dark ruby color, with an aroma of blackberries, mulberry tones, and smoky notes. The taste is juicy, rich, intense, and tannic. Beverage harmonizes well with meat dishes.

Chardonnay (Ukraine)

10/10

The taste:

Oak, lemon, apple, tropical fruits, baked cake, praline, creme brulee, coconut

Aroma:

Apple, pear, pineapple, lemon, fig, peach

Type of wine:

White wine grape variety, dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sparkling

Color:

Straw yellow

Chardonnay is one of the most popular varieties worldwide, especially in France. It was bred many centuries ago, but it is still the main component of many stunning wines. The variety is best known for its still, dry wines. Chardonnay Grapes are usually the basis of superior & aromatic wines with attractive aromas. Ukrainian wine producers remark that wine of light-straw color has vivid peach and apricot flavor with citrus notes and a full, harmonious taste. This wine goes well with white fish, seafood salads, sour cranberry jam, or savory pastries.