Two wines from Odesa in Lidl GB stores.
For the first time we have two wines from the Ukraine on the shelves in Lidl GB – a first for the UK – and the first time that mainstream wine shoppers will be able to sample unique bottles from this lesser known, yet historic, wine producing country, and Bolgrad Winery.
These days Ukraine is always in the news, and it should be. Most of us can do very little to support the country but we can now embrace their wine industry. Even these attractive bottles give a nod to Ukraine. The labels for the range feature a Ukrainian flag, with the blue and yellow motif continuing on the foil. There are beautiful vines on the labels, with their roots deep in the soil, hardy and enduring – and these Ukrainian vines sport magical blue and yellow leaves.
Lidl GB – which is becoming known for championing lesser-known wine regions – has welcomed two bottles from Bolgrad Winery’s Select range to its wine aisles across the country. The Duo white wine and the red Saperavi are available now for a limited time only as part of the retailer’s Wine Tour collection at just £7.99 a bottle.
The 2023 Duo blend is a mix of Chardonnay and native Sukholimansky grapes, a well-balanced, dry white with white blossom, dried apricot and citrus notes. Meanwhile the Bolgrad Select Saperavi, a grape variety associated more with Georgian wine, is a medium-bodied, fruity red aiming to appeal to Malbec drinkers.
The winery is the leading brand for still wines in Ukraine and hails from the Odesa region – an area known for its unique terroir which mixes diverse growing conditions, two opposing air masses from the Black Sea and the Yalpug, and a microclimate with low precipitation and hot summers.
Located in the southwest of Ukraine, near to the Black Sea port city of Odesa, the region is also known for its ancient winemaking traditions that date back to Greek settlements at Boristhenis and Tyras. Despite these traditions, wines from Ukraine are only now making their way to UK supermarket shelves.
Still wine makes up 29% of Ukraine’s alcoholic beverages market, and Bolgrad is known as the capital of the country’s wine regions. In the 1950s the country imported and planted French grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Tayirov and Magarach institutes of viticulture and winemaking experimented in crossbreeding the varieties to adapt them to the local climate, resulting in the successful cultivation of now-indigenous grapes.
The two wines are:
Duo is a blend of Chardonnay and native Ukrainian Sukholimansky grapes for a well-balanced dry white wine. The indigenous grape is highly aromatic on the nose and adds to the palate a white meadow blossom and dried apricot along with the ripe citrus notes of the Chardonnay. Chill down well for a refreshing drink or accompaniment to salads, lightly crumbed fish or zesty lime-spiked tacos.
Bolgrad’s Select Saperavi is grown in South Odesa region and is a medium bodied fruity red, softer, almost perfumed, with plentiful red fruits. A must-try for Malbec lovers! Saperavi pairs well with Autumnal evenings and Parkin… red meats or rich sauces, and it’s particularly good with seasoned spiced lamb, hard sheep’s cheese, and rich bean stews.
Wine lovers can seek out the distinctive bottles on Lidl shelves by looking for the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag that are proudly featured on the labels.
The launch of Bolgrad wines into Lidl GB stores comes at a time when the popularity of wines from emerging regions is at an all-time high. Wines from Eastern Europe have rightfully earned their place on supermarket shelves but – until now – Ukrainian wines have been largely undiscovered by UK consumers.
Vitali Shmulevych, CEO at Bolgrad Winery, says, “We are absolutely thrilled to fly the flag for Ukrainian wines in the UK with our listing for Lidl GB. We know British shoppers will love the wines as they bring unique styles and exciting grape varieties to the drinks aisle and offer the chance to experiment and explore the potential of Ukrainian wines.”
“We’re delighted to be on this journey of bringing our wines into the mainstream in partnership with Lidl GB, a supermarket that has been a big supporter of up-and-coming wines!”