Best of Ukraine: an orange Furmint!

Though Furmint is the number one grape of Tokaj, a bit to the east, through the Ukrainian border in Zakarpattia region it is also important. Out of the Ukrainian entries the highest score (91 points) was given to an orange version of Furmint by Chateau Chizay, and it made it the Best of Ukraine.
 

– 1064 wines entered the 4th edition of Winelovers Wine Awards from 13 countries.
– Altogether there are 17 Ukrainian medal winners.
– Chateau Chizay won 3 gold medals and 3 bronze medals, all of them are white wines.
 

Chateau Chizay Furmint Orange 2024
Alcohol: 13.2%, acidity: 6.3 g/L, residual sugar: 2.5 g/L
Retail price: 14 EUR
The previous vintage (2023) also won gold medal at Winelovers Wine Awards. The 2024 is even more outstanding, no wonder it is sold out at the winery. 
"Traditional amber colour, with an aroma of fresh and dried white fruits, spices, and, of course, walnut. And regarding the taste – remember, this is the only white wine that has tannins. This is why it pairs wonderfully with various dishes, including complex and spicy ones."
(Amber Revolution is the first comprehensive book about orange wines, written by Simon J Woolf.)
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Zakarpattia = Transcarpathian
Transcarpathia is a historical wine region. The slopes of the volcanic Carpathian Mountains, plenty of sunlight, and sufficient water have fostered winemaking in these lands since ancient times. Zakarpattia (Transcarpathian) wines were supplied to the courts of medieval kings and nobles, and even to the presidents of modern states. The culture of Transcarpathian winemaking is unique because it has combined Hungarian, Italian, and Austrian traditions throughout historical vicissitudes. It was this cultural fusion that yielded such an interesting and colourful product – Transcarpathian wine.

Inspiration from history, energy for the future
Chateau Chizay was founded in 1995 in the Chizay tract near the town of Berehove in Zakarpattia. A modern production facility was built from scratch, but with attention to the local winemaking history. "Our principles are hard work and honesty, respect for nature, and love for what we do." 
The estate produces around 1.3 million bottles a year from their 272 hectares of vineyards in perfect Zakarpattia terroirs. "Masters who respect local traditions and have learned the modern winemaking techniques in Europe. Inspiration from history, energy for the future. All of this is added to the bouquet of our wines."
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Mini hotel, museum, beauty lab
Chateau Chizay team knows very well that the more they offer, the more likely wine tourists will find them. The charming, French chateau-like building hosts a mini hotel of three rooms with corresponding interior design, and also there is a museum as well. "Our guide will provide detailed explanations and show you the most interesting aspects of Chateau Chizay. We promise it will be engaging, and you will gain valuable insights into the culture and history of Ukrainian viticulture and winemaking." What is more, the estate produces brandy and grape seed cosmetics, as they say, "grapes do more than become wine". 
 
Fun fact: snail is a traditional Transcarpatian dish
This is the explanation by Chateau Chizay: 
"We bake the snails with butter and Parmesan and recommend as an appetizer before the main meal. It might seem that this is a completely borrowed dish, but not everything is so simple. At the beginning of the XIX century, Transcarpathia was part of the Austrian Empire (long before the state changed its name into Austria-Hungary). According to legend, after the defeat of Napoleon, a group of captive officers from France arrived for eternal settlement on the outskirts of the Austrian Empire – Transcarpathia or more precisely, in a village in Turianska valley under the name of Turia-Remeta, which is in Uzhhorod district. Since then, in Turianska valley, and now almost everywhere in Transcarpathia, you can taste the Transcarpathian dishes – grape snails."
Read more about Chateau Chizay