Zakarpattia

Abundant sunshine and slope-planted vineyards shape Zakarpattia, a wine region in Ukraine. White wine has long been central here, with Traminer, Muscat Ottonel, Furmint, Riesling and Chardonnay among the important varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Zweigelt now play a larger part, while Irsai Olivér, Hárslevelű and Cserszegi fűszeres also appear in the regional mix. Zakarpattia makes both dry and sweet wines. Producers have also been trying amber wines, made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, as well as sparkling wines and disease-resistant grapes known as PIWI varieties. Since independence, craft production and family wineries have expanded. Households account for more than 64 percent of regional production, and about one hundred winemakers are active. Small producers have formed an association that plans to register the "Wines of the Silver Land" geographical indication.