The Russian Union of Viticulturists and Winemakers (AVVR) has listed five friendly countries that supply quality wine to the Russian market following a decline in imports of European-origin wines.
In a statement to RIA Novosti, the union noted that South Africa, Serbia, Georgia, China and Brazil stand out in this field.
Among friendly countries capable of offering quality and interesting wines, we can count South Africa, Serbia, Georgia, China and Brazil.
AVVR emphasized that South Africa, with its long-standing winemaking tradition and good price-quality balance, is one of the most promising sources. It stated that Serbia produces European-level wines with autochthonous grape varieties and modern production techniques, but has not yet been sufficiently introduced to Russian consumers. Russian importers have increased their purchases from these countries.
The statement recalled that Georgia has long been one of Russia's most important wine suppliers, noting that both traditional Kakheti wines and dry wines in an international style are attracting interest. The union recommended Mtsvane, Kisi and Rkatsiteli for whites, and Saperavi and Aleksandreuli for reds.
It was reported that China is rapidly developing its industry by establishing world-class wine production facilities, particularly in the Ningxia and Shandong regions. It added that Brazil's Serra Gaúcha region is known not only for its sparkling wines but also for its increasingly interesting still wines, and that the country has a fascinating viticultural experience.
AVVR described this development as a geographical expansion rather than a substitution. The statement said, "It is not possible to substitute wine based on the principle of replacing one good with another. Every wine country has its own unique style, grape varieties, climate and cultural tradition."
The Russian market will not be deprived of valuable options; consumers will have the opportunity to discover new wine regions of the world instead of focusing on Europe.
