Massandra winery: the history of the enterprise. Winery "Massandra": brands, price

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The bright sun, the gentle sea, the lush greenery of cedars and the fragrance of magnolias, ancient palaces and a warm, fertile climate - this is Massandra.

But the southern coast of Crimea is known not only for its landscapes and historical sights. The world-famous grape winery is located here.

Officially, the founding year of this enterprise is considered to be 1894. It was then, by decree of Nicholas II, that Massandra Winery, the largest in Russia, was built and began production with storage facilities equipped in underground tunnels. But his story begins much earlier.

How it all started

Growing grapes and making intoxicating drinks from it began in the Crimea even before our era. Not far from ancient Chersonese, archaeologists found a stone stele erected in honor of a certain Agaxils, with gratitude from the inhabitants of the city for his concern for the cultivation of grapes.

In ancient times, the Karaites came to the territory of Massandra and settled here, the Greeks sailed and founded colonies. seven centuries therethe Khazar Khaganate flourished, the Visigoths and representatives of the trading elite of Byzantium and Genoa came. And all these large and small peoples treated with respect and the greatest interest what Massandra is proud of today. Wine production in the Crimea did not stop even with the advent of the Tatars, who, as you know, the faith forbids drinking alcohol, since its sale brought a lot of income. It is even known that in the 17th century there was a whole Surozh Row in Moscow, where Crimean wines were sold.

Two centuries of decline

At the beginning of the 18th century viticulture on the territory of Massandra gradually fell into decay. The nobility prefers imported French drinks, and local producers, unable to withstand the competition of European wines, go bankrupt. Agriculture and trade are falling into decay, and the former Greek and Genoese settlements are turning into ruins.

By the 19th century, Massandra (Y alta), becomes a run-down village and passes from one owner to another. The only significant building there at that time was the dacha built by M. S. Smirnov on the mountainside, which was owned in turn by Countess Pototskaya, her daughter Olga Stanislavovna Naryshkina, and Counts Vorontsov.

Rebirth

Massandra (Y alta) again became the center of viticulture when Mikhail Sergeevich Vorontsov arrived there. He had big plans for reorganizing farming methods in the Crimea. Golitsyn significantly increased the area of land for vineyards, ordered the best varieties of vines from France and Spain. Experienced specialists were also invited from there. And already inIn 1834, the Massandra winery (the forerunner of the enterprise built by Prince Golitsyn) produced wines of such famous varieties as Bordeaux, Riesling, Kokur and Tokay.

Unfortunately, after the death of Mikhail Sergeevich, the heirs showed no interest in continuing the case. In 1889, the Vorontsov estate, which included Massandra (winery and estate), Livadia and Ai-Danil, were acquired by the Imperial Specific Department.

Activity of Prince Golitsyn

As you know, Nicholas II had a great love for Y alta and sought to develop agriculture there and establish the production of wines that would not be inferior to foreign ones. By his order, Prince L. S. Golitsyn arrives in Massandra. At that time, he was the leading winemaker of the Russian Empire and already had experience in the Crimea.

He significantly increased the area of Massandra vineyards, and ordered the construction of a special basement that looked like tunnels for aging finished products. Moreover, the storage was arranged in such a way that the temperature of 12-14 degrees Celsius was naturally maintained in it all year round. It is optimal for aging the best quality beverages.

At the same time, the construction of the Massandra winery began under the project of architect A. I. Dietrich.

At the end of August 1898, production was solemnly launched at a huge production complex for those times. It included the Massandra winery and a cellar designed to store 250,000 decaliters of draft wine and 1 millionbottles. And in 1900, the best samples of the company's products were presented at the World Exhibition in Paris. When, a few months later, Nicholas II came with his wife to inspect his new palace in Livadia, Golitsyn suggested that the royal couple try Massandra's wines. The emperor especially liked the port wine "Livadia", and the queen - "Aleatico Ayu-Dag". Since then, both drinks have been brought to the table of the Romanovs.

Under Soviet rule

The Massandra plant continued to flourish after the October Revolution. Moreover, its cellars were turned into a gallery of the best Crimean grape drinks, and many private collections were brought there.

However, over time, the building that housed the Massandra plant fell into disrepair and the equipment became obsolete. In 1937, work began on the reconstruction and expansion of the old workshops. In addition, the construction of a new plant was initiated. During the war, work was suspended and the reconstruction was finally completed in 1956.

Prohibition

The glory of the association "Massandra" (winery) is inextricably linked with the name of Academician Alexander Alexandrovich Egorov, who worked as the chief winemaker of the enterprise for 33 years. He is the author of famous brands: Muscat "Red Stone" and "Pino Gris Ai-Danil".

In the 80s of the last century, Massandra's vineyards were under the threat of destruction due to an overactive anti-alcohol campaign. It was even supposed to cut down some of them and use the vacant lands for other purposes. ToFortunately, the enterprise was defended by Vladimir Shcherbitsky, who was then the first secretary of the Crimean Regional Committee.

The legendary plant continued to work. Moreover, in 1988, in the Guinness Book of Records, an entry appeared that the place where the most unique and largest collection of grape drinks is located is Crimea, the Massandra winery.

Brands and prices

Currently, the assortment of the production association "Massandra" contains more than 250 brands of wine, including souvenir and collection ones. Basically (about 80%) these are liqueur, fortified and strong dessert drinks. Among them, what the winery "Massandra" is primarily proud of is the wine "Cahors Partenit". Madeira "Massandra", Muscat "Tauride", pink ports - "Alushta" and red - "Livadia" are also valued all over the world

The assortment also includes dry and semi-sweet table wines, such as Aluston White, Saperavi, Merlot and others.

If you like Massandra wine, the price can fluctuate widely. Branded drinks are the most expensive. You can buy, for example, pink "Dessert" Muscat (bottle 0.75 liters) for 1000, but there are wines from the Massandra winery for 350 rubles.

Awards

During the existence of the plant, Massandra's drinks at various competitions held in the USSR, Ukraine and other countries received 200 gold and silver medals. No wine company has so many awards.

Tastings

At the winery in Massandra, guests are always welcome. Every year, thousands of connoisseurs of exquisite grape drinks specially come there. They are offered to taste collection wines. In 2001, a special excursion facility was created for tourists to visit, located in the building of the Main Basement of the enterprise, built in 1894-1897 under the leadership of Prince Lev Sergeevich Golitsyn.

In addition, tastings are held at the Alupka resort, next to the Vorontsov park. Judging by the reviews of guests of the Crimea, excursions to the Main cellar of the Massandra winery make an indelible impression, and they are happy to recommend them to their friends.

Have you ever tasted Massandra wines? Then be sure to purchase a bottle or two of a drink produced in this famous Crimean enterprise. Then you will enjoy the wine that has delighted crowned heads and heads of state in many parts of the world.