Увага! На сайті використовуються cookie файли.
The site uses cookie files
Даний сайт має вікове обмеження.
This site has age restrictions!
Я підтверджую, що мені, на жаль, давно виповнилося 18 років
A unique wine tasting event took place in Ukraine, organized especially for servicemen and women of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who are currently defending the country against Russian aggression. The initiator and host of the tasting was Ivan Percheklii – Best Sommelier of Ukraine 2017 and Vice President of the Association of Sommeliers of Ukraine – who also serves in the ranks of the Territorial Defense Forces. This gathering was more than just a tasting with an extraordinary audience: in our view, it was a powerful expression of the unbreakable spirit and cultural resilience of the Ukrainian people.
According to the organizer’s vision, the tasting aimed to introduce participants to Ukrainian viticulture and winemaking culture, including its history, native grape varieties, and leading domestic producers.
Staying true to the logic of the genre, the tasting began with a selection of sparkling wines.
An intriguing pairing served as a kind of aperitif: the light and approachable brut from TM “Leleka” (Aligote variety) and the more complex “Brut Nature” 2018 (Chardonnay, aged 49 months on the lees) from 46 Parallel Wine Group – a long-time nominee and winner of the international Wine Travel Awards. The second wine stood out for its sophisticated organoleptic profile, featuring bready notes and a vibrant freshness which, despite the extended aging, remained expressive, pleasant, and well-balanced.
The next set: white wines of Ukraine.
“Sukholymansky” (vintage 2023) from Villa Tinta was also featured. The attendees appreciated its light and delicate character, with distinct aromas of meadow herbs – as if the wine carried the very breath of Ukraine’s free and magical steppes…
The 2023 Albarinho from Beykush Winery proved to be a fairly complex wine that invited thoughtful reflection from the tasters. However, by the eighth minute, as it opened up, it revealed a sophisticated interplay of delicate fruitiness and subtle creaminess – a pleasant surprise for all present.
Following that, Ivan Percheklii presented a curated set of aromatic wines, featuring the following examples:
The 2023 “Johanniter” from Father’s Wine is an elegant expression, offering a delicate aroma of white fruits, a light body, and refreshing acidity. It was warmly received by all participants, who saw it as a true embodiment of summer.
The 2023 “Mushlya” (Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat) from the young Bakota Bay winery was unanimously recognized by participants as the most aromatic wine of the evening. Its vibrant bouquet served almost like aromatherapy, enchanting everyone present.
Finally, Ivan presented a selection of complex wines that required time to open up in the glass. While they were breathing, the commentator provided detailed descriptions of each.
The 2021 “Pinot Blanc” (aged 6 months in oak) from 46 Parallel Wine Group is a complex and well-developed wine, featuring characteristic aromas of vanilla and stone fruits. It is soft on the palate and finishes with a long, lingering aftertaste.
The 2022 “Feeria” (Muscat Holodryhi variety, aged on the marc for over four months) is a creation of the Lviv winery Yanchynski Pahorby. This wine offers a festive muscat aroma and a ripe flavor with gentle tannins. To Ivan Percheklii’s colleague from Colombia, it evoked memories of Christmas in his homeland.
And Christmas is a time when miracles happen – a miracle that Ukraine needs now more than ever. This Christmas note was the most optimistic way to conclude this special tasting. Thank you, Armed Forces of Ukraine, for every morning we live to see!
⇒ Join our social networks ⇒ Optimistic D+ editors will take this as a compliment.
⇒ Every like is taken as a toast!
28.07.2025
