Crimea

Crimea is a Ukrainian wine region on the peninsula between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Early remains of cultivated grapevines have been found in Crimea. Greek colonists also made wine here and around the wider Black Sea region. Conditions range from hot, dry continental summers and warm winters to subtropical heat. The southern coast has a Mediterranean climate, and Yalta is a focal point for winemaking. Vineyards grow on marl, brown soils, limestone and chernozem, a fertile black soil. Muscat-family vines are predominant, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Aligoté and Saperavi. Kokur, Kefesiya and Ekim Kara are local varieties. Crimea makes modern and traditional wines in dry, sweet and fortified styles, including a long tradition of sweet and fortified wines. It has long supplied wine to Russia, the Soviet Union and markets beyond them. Since the 2014 occupation, Ukraine has lost access to Crimean vineyards and wine markets, while Ukrainian authorities have raised concerns about misuse of the Crimea indication.