Russia – Imported Wines and a guide to what is available in stores

Walking through the supermarkets in Russia was a lot of fun. I loved browsing the different isles to see what products they had. The one isle that particularly interested me was the wine isle. I love my wine. There are not a lot of things that beat a nice glass of red wine with dinner or in the cold winter months in front of the fire place.

Wine in South Africa and Argentina are very good. There is no doubt that both countries have some of the best wine in the world. My favorite wine is a Merlot and is not difficult to find here in Argentina. Another favorite of mine is the Malbec that you only find in Argentina. Andrey on the other hand prefers the Cabernet Sauvignon.Personally I find it too acidy.

This particular supermarket in Moscow was huge and I counted about 5 isles just with alcoholic beverages. Immediately I started to look for known products and my eye caught our delicious South African Amarula Liqueur. A Proudly South African feeling crept through my veins.

Russians love their Vodka but contrary to what people believe not all people drink Vodka or even like it. Many women prefer to drink wine and it is also the 3rd most popular alcoholic drink in Russia. In the second place is beer.

Imported wine in Russian Supermarkets

Argentine wine was not difficult to find and the rack was loaded with bottles from Estancia Mendoza (Cabernet/Malbec), Toso Mendoza (Tempranillo) and Kaiken (Malbec). Next to the Argentine wine was a selection of wines from Chile. There is always a little bit of friction between Argentina and Chile and I giggled when I saw the wine stacked cosily next to each other.

South African wine was also in abundance. I saw Two Oceans and another brand that I didn`t know. I was still happily snapping away when a security guard came up to me and told me in Russian: “Net fotografiy!” (No photos). Cheeckily I wanted to answer her in Russian, that I don`t speak Russian, when my tongue twisted and it came out all wrong. Andrey started laughing and she didn`t think it was funny. I put my camera away.

When in Russia always look for a “No Photograph” sign on the doors of Supermarkets. They get very upset when you take photos.

Locally produced wine in Russia

Locally produced wine in Russia taste a lot different and Mom often had Russian wine in her house. Sadly when Gorbachev was in power he basically destroyed the wine industry in Russia and to this day people still hate him for that. Why he did it nobody knows. It will take many years before the wine industry is restored again in Russia. What did it taste like? I found the wine very mild but it wasn`t bad.

I also had the opportunity to taste Californian wine. I have often heard people speaking highly of it but I must admit, I was not impressed.