How is Apsny translated from Abkhaz. To the land of the soul

Named after the village of the same name, which was the residence of the Abkhaz prince in the 19th century. The local grape variety Isabella has an exquisite and unique taste, it was obtained as a result of selection of the European variety Vitis Vinifera and the American Vitis Labrusca.

Sukhumi winemakers began mass production of Lykhny wine in 1962, since then the products have confidently occupied their niche among world-famous brands and have won numerous awards, which confirm their high status.

History of winemaking in Abkhazia

Archaeologists have evidence that ancient civilizations in these places were already familiar with winemaking. The image of one of the finds - "Bombori wine drinker" - is decorated with the label "Apsny" (wine, considered the soul of the Abkhazian feast).

For more than 50 centuries, the Abkhazian people have preserved recipes and methods for storing wine. The tradition of burying clay vessels in the ground is still alive today, because in such conditions the wine acquires an unusually refined and harmonious bouquet. This method of preserving and ripening a drink from grapes has survived for millennia, and now there are ceramic containers in almost every Abkhazian estate.

For a long time, natural Abkhazian wines could only be tasted by home winemakers, who carefully preserved and passed down family recipes from generation to generation. Industrial production dates back only to 1925, but winemaking became competitive only after the reconstruction at the Sukhumi winery in the middle of the 20th century and the introduction of the Italian technological line.

The innovations resulted in the new Amra, Chegem, Dioskuria and others. But the traditional varieties, which are loved by consumers and highly rated by experts, did not leave the conveyor lines.

Features of Abkhazian wines

Winegrowers grow about 60 varieties of grapes in these parts, both white and red ones ripen equally well. The most common and best for winemaking are Auasyrkhuaa, Tsolikouri, Kachich and the Isabella variety (Akhardan - in Abkhazian) that became widespread in these parts only in the 19th century.

Abkhazian Isabella differs from the same variety growing in other regions of the world. Once a vine imported from America, it was crossed with local wild grapes. The result was a variety that gives the wines a unique taste and aroma, with a pronounced strawberry aftertaste.

The high quality of any wine of Abkhazia is predetermined by nature itself. Connoisseurs assure that the grape varieties familiar to everyone in these places acquire a slightly different, richer taste. There is nothing to argue about. The resort subtropical conditions of Abkhazia are characterized by higher humidity than in other places of the Western Caucasus, summers are hotter here, and winters are milder.

These generous gifts of nature - the sun and heat - allow the berries to fill with juice and sugar, their unusual taste makes the wine unique. Even the same variety of vine grown in different regions of Abkhazia differs in taste and aroma. Therefore, winemakers have such a wide range of wines, and white or red semi-sweet, dessert or dry do not require flavorings and flavoring additives in the manufacture.

After the harvest, which lasts from October to mid-December for the winegrowers of Abkhazia, it is the turn of the winemakers.

Composition and bouquet of wine

The first wine that began to be produced at the Sukhum winery on an industrial scale was the red dessert “Bouquet of Abkhazia”. Since then, the brand has been considered the hallmark of the republic. A drink made from Isabella's berries has a deep dark color, for which the Abkhaz themselves call it "black wine". Fortress - 16% vol.

Other drinks of Sukhumi winemakers have also become cult. Connoisseurs note that all varieties are easy to drink, distinguished by freshness and deep aroma. Some even divide them into “male” (aged, with a tart, enveloping taste) and “female” (sweet and fragrant). The Abkhazians themselves consider such a division conditional. In these parts, wine has been considered a divine gift, a balm for the soul since ancient times.

Most of the assortment of winemakers is named after the geographical places where grapes are grown and in honor of the places sung in the legends of the Caucasian people, and simply beautiful corners of the republic:

1. Lykhny is a village in the Gudauta region. Once a princely residence was located here, and from here the spread of Christianity in Abkhazia began. Natural semi-sweet wine "Lykhny" is considered the basis of any (not only festive) table. It is made from the Isabella variety grown in these places with a high sugar content of berries. The finished drink contains 3-5% sugar and has a strength of 9-11% vol. Compliance with the technological process allows you to get a velvety harmonious taste with an original delicate bouquet of wild strawberry aroma.
2. Apsny - this is how Abkhazia is called in the Abkhazian language, and in translation it sounds like the Country of the Soul. Red semi-sweet Abkhazian wine "Apsny" has been produced since 1970. Obtained by fermenting the must of several grape varieties - Merlot, Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon. The drink gets a pleasant pomegranate color, harmonious bouquet and velvety taste. Fortress 9-11% vol.
3. Psou - a fast and abundant river on the Abkhazian-Russian border gave the name to another wine. "Psou" - white semi-sweet, with a strength of 9-11% vol. The history of its production goes back to the distant past. The Abkhazians made the classic version from Tsolikouri berries. For industrial production, a blend of Riesling and Aligote is used. The traditional fresh taste and floral aroma add splendor to the drink. The release of "Psou" began in 1962.
4. Already in the 21st century, other “geographical” brands of Sukhumi wines appeared: dry red Chegem, dry white Dioskuria, semi-dry red Eschera, etc. All of them are made from selected varieties of local grapes.

Abkhazian winemakers pay special attention to the preservation of hospitality traditions. Wine is an important part of rituals and is considered a symbol of festivities: religious and secular.

According to the ancient rite, the bride, entering the new house, was supposed to hear the groom's song. This wedding song is called Ouredada (Radeda). As a symbol of this hymn to the newlyweds in 2002, a new variety of light natural dry was developed. They named it as the classic rite - "Radeda", the wine is made from the iconic local variety of Isabella berries in compliance with the traditions of winemaking. The strength of the drink with a bright strawberry aftertaste and aroma is not higher than 10% vol.

How to distinguish a fake

Like any product that is gaining demand, the wines of Abkhazia have become an object of clandestine production. It is not so easy to recognize a fake by external signs, and the quality of a bottled drink differs dramatically from the original.

When buying, you should pay attention first of all to the label. The original samples used by the Sukhumi winery can be viewed on the official website. After opening the bottle, pay attention to the cork. Bottles corked by the manufacturer have elongated corks, which are marked that they are also made in Abkhazia.

Even while relaxing in the Caucasus, you should purchase high-quality Abkhaz wine "", "Bouquet of Abkhazia", ​​"Psou" and any other at the places of official sales, and not in the markets or from hands.

How to use

To appreciate the bouquet of aromas and tastes of Abkhazian wine, many lovers go on a trip - travel agencies arrange separate wine tours. Connoisseurs have compiled a set of rules for the use of a particular variety. Red wine "Apsny" semi-sweet, it is served chilled with desserts, fruits, warm - with meat. White semi-sweet "Psou" is suitable for starting a meal - with snacks and salads. "Lykhny" - for meat dishes, and "Eshera" - for hot chicken dishes.

An article for those who are still wondering: is Abkhazia Russia or abroad. Also, we will answer the question - why is it worth visiting Abkhazia at least once and how difficult it is to get into the country ... First things first - let's figure it out:

The Republic of Abkhazia is located in the most beautiful place on earth - in the north-west of Transcaucasia between the two rivers Psou and Ingur. From the southwest it is washed by the Black Sea. From the north and northeast, Abkhazia borders on the Russian Federation (Krasnodar Territory and Karachay-Cherkessia), and from the southeast and south it borders on Georgia (regions of Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti).

Capital, currency, population

The total area of ​​the country is about 8600 square kilometers. The capital of Abkhazia is Sukhumi. In the Abkhaz language, Abkhazia sounds like "Apsny", which means "Country of the Soul".

Most of the territory of Abkhazia (about 1/4) is occupied by the spurs of the Main Ridge (Vodorazdelny). The entire territory of the republic includes seven districts, eight cities, four settlements and 512 villages.

The modern Republic of Abkhazia is a sovereign democratic state - a presidential republic, which has its own coat of arms, flag and anthem. The constitution of the state was adopted by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Abkhazia on November 26, 1994.

The state language of the country is Abkhazian, but Russian is considered the second language in the country, which is recognized by all state institutions and non-state organizations.

Here is how Osip Mandelstam described the language of the Abkhazians:

“From here you should start studying the alphabet of the Caucasus - here every word begins with “a”. To designate words that are not in their native language, the Abkhaz approached with humor, simply adding the letter "a" to the corresponding Russian word, for example, "alarek", "atelegraf".

The population of the country is about 250,000 people. Many different nationalities and nationalities coexist in this republic: Abkhazians, Russians, Greeks, Georgians, Armenians, Germans, Estonians, Jews, Poles and others. About 10% of the total population of the country are Mingrelians - a small ethnic group living near the border with Georgia.

Russian ruble is the main means of payment in Abkhazia. And all calculations are made in rubles, since foreign currency is not accepted for payment. Currency exchange points are located only in the largest cities of the republic.

Local currency in Abkhazia, these are apsars - coins, which are also means of payment and are equated to the ruble 1:10.

Until recently, you would not have been able to cash out your bank card even in the largest banking institutions of the country, because there were no ATMs in Abkhazia at all. The situation changed only in 2013, now more and more ATMs are being installed, and there are no reasons for vacationers to worry about cashing out before arrival or inside the country.

Abkhazia is Russia or abroad

A lot of Russian citizens who want to go on vacation to this country often ask their tour operators and travel agencies the question - "Is Abkhazia Russia or abroad." Let's try to answer this question as accurately as possible:

Abkhazia is an independent state that has been recognized by several member countries of the United Nations (Russia, Venezuela, Nauru, South Ossetia, Nicaragua, the People's Republic of Korea and the PMR).

But some states still consider Abkhazia a part of Georgia. It is necessary to pay special attention to the fact that the Georgian authorities do not control the territory of Abkhazia, as it has its own government, military, security and law enforcement forces.

Thus, answering the question “Is Abkhazia Russia or not?”, You can definitely answer no. But at the same time, after the war with Georgia, this state was in dire need of outside support, which Russia was able to provide to this young republic. Abkhazia is heavily dependent on the support of the Russian government, the Russian ruble, and today is in the same uncertain status as Kosovo and South Ossetia.

Visa and passport

Now let's consider another important question: do you need a visa to Abkhazia for Russian citizens to enter the country.

Since Abkhazia is recognized by the Russian Federation as an independent state, Russians will not need a visa to enter this country in 2015, as before. At the customs, you will need to present a general passport or a foreign passport, in which a stamp (seal) is affixed on crossing the border of the Republic of Abkhazia (Independent State of Abkhazia). There are practically no difficulties with visiting this country, and entry is carried out in almost half an hour. But in connection with the difficult situation in the country, it is necessary to take into account a number of its features.

Russian citizens do not need a foreign passport to enter Abkhazia, as it is enough to have only an internal passport of the Russian Federation with them

If you went to Abkhazia on your own car or by bus, the following information will certainly please. We have already found out that the border between Russia and Abkhazia runs along the Psou River. Passing through the territory of the Russian post, in several places in front of the barriers, the border guards will require you to show documents, including those of your passengers.

Then you will find yourself at the main checkpoint, where the driver and passengers will need to get out of the car (luggage is not necessary to take with you) and go through passport control. The border guards will ask the driver to open the trunk for inspection. If everything is in order with the documents, you can go further. The procedure itself does not take much time, as before - everything is according to a simplified system, unless of course your citizenship of the Russian Federation.

A few meters from the Russian border post there is an Abkhaz post. Its passage is much easier. Only the driver needs to get out of the car. He shows the registration certificate to the local customs officers. You don't need to pay any money at the border. In Abkhazia, all types of fees and compulsory insurance from Russian tourists have been canceled. Passengers have their passports formally checked through the car window. If there are no queues, then the entire check at the Abkhaz post takes 1 minute. After that - you are in Abkhazia!

General information

Entry into Abkhazia is allowed only from Russia, since the Georgian-Abkhaz border is closed, and passage through it without special permission can result in a long prison sentence.

If we look at Abkhazia by months, then it is best to cross the border during the "low" holiday season, since the rest of the time there will be a long line at the border, which is closest to the country's most popular resorts. (in any case, the queue used to be long - today they say it doesn’t exist at all, but how reliable the information is - you need to clarify ...)

By the way, the resort village of Gechripsh is located in close proximity to the border with Russia and therefore enjoys great popularity among our compatriots.

Also, many people who have never visited the resorts of the country are interested in the question - how much to fly to Abkhazia?

The fact is that today this country does not have its own airport and therefore you will have to fly to Adler (the nearest airport in Russia). And then, by taxi or by train, get to the border post of Abkhazia - Psou, which operates around the clock.

Why is it worth visiting Abkhazia?

In Soviet times, this coast was considered the best vacation spot. And now thousands of our fellow citizens are rushing there. Perhaps they are driven by nostalgia, or perhaps by a thirst to see the mythical Colchis, where, according to legend, Jason went for the Golden Fleece.

In summer, you can spend several hours on the Russian-Abkhazian border. But I assure you it's worth it. As soon as you cross the border, the situation around will change. You will be met by mountains covered with a fabulously beautiful green forest, which come very close to the sea. Thus, a completely unusual landscape is created.

A zone of humid subtropics stretches along the sea, with up to 220 sunny days a year, much more than on the Russian Black Sea coast. The temperature of sea water in summer reaches 28 degrees, you can swim in October. Exotic trees and shrubs bloom all year round. An abundance of local vegetables, fruits, excellent wines, the best of which is the red semi-sweet "Lykhny". Why not a paradise for vacationers?!

Beach and glaciers in one day. Abkhazia is a country where you can wake up in the morning from the sound of sea waves, ride with a breeze through steep gorges in the afternoon, spend the sun walking through alpine meadows bordered by snowfields, and in the evening again be on the coast and enjoy the fresh breeze. The rugged landscape of Abkhazia and the proximity of the mountains to the sea form several natural areas, each of which can give a very special experience.

Architecture: from dolmen to empire. Traveling along the coast of Abkhazia, you will come across a variety of architecture that tells about the “multi-layered” history of the region. There are the imperial castles of Old Gagra, built during the Russian Riviera, and monumental stations and sanatoriums “in Stalinist style”, with colonnades and arches, and Soviet constructivism of the most bizarre forms with mosaics on ideological and everyday topics.

In the following video, you can see only a fraction of the indescribable beauty of Abkhazia:

Going deeper into the foothills, you can find yourself in the Middle Ages - in ascetic monasteries on picturesque hills, at an arched bridge in a narrow gorge, and even in the defensive towers of the Great Abkhazian Wall, which stretches across eastern Abkhazia! But the most archaic and, by the way, the oldest on the planet, architectural structures are hidden in the forests. These are dolmens - mystical structures of the Bronze Age, leaving more questions than answers.

Travel, learn, look for beauty in everything, wherever you are, but if you just want to start traveling, start with Abkhazia - a country of amazing beauty is waiting for you.

How to translate the word-apsny and got the best answer

Answer from Bozzy[guru]
"Country of the soul", "Land of the soul" (Abkhazia). There is a legend according to which God called all nationalities to himself in order to distribute lands on our planet. Everyone came and received land, finally the Abkhaz was the last to come running, but God said that he was late and he no longer had land. The Abkhaz prayed: "I could not come on time, Lord, because I received dear guests." ". Since then, for their complacency and hospitality, the Abkhazians live on the land, which they themselves called the "Country of the Soul" (in Abkhazian - Apsny)

Answer from Anna Krasnova[guru]
Apsny is the self-name of Abkhazia. It translates as "Country of the Soul". I love this paradise!

Answer from Larina[active]

ABKHAZIA
(Abkh. Apsny) - "fir country"
Author of the above article:
Wegener L. V. Published in the guide "Arkhyz. Bolshaya Laba"

Answer from Natalya Zakharova[newbie]
I hear about the "fir country" for the first time. But "country of the soul" is a more accurate translation. And earlier Abkhazians called themselves Apsny. Truly a land of sun, sea and love! My absolute favorite summer vacation spot! And the people there are really hospitable.

Apsny wine is another pride of Abkhazian winemakers, along with Lykhny. The term "Apsny" itself is translated as "country of the soul" and is the self-name of Abkhazia. This red semi-sweet table wine with a strength of 9-10%, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Saperavi grapes, has been produced since 1970. The drink received the gold medal of the Moscow International Forum in 2001, several grand prix and other awards at international competitions.

The label of Apsna flaunts the image of a man with a wine horn - this is the “Bomborsky wine-drinker”, a statuette found by archaeologists on the territory of Abkhazia. The age of the relic is at least 4000 years, which means that winemaking in the country was developed already in the second millennium BC.

Apparently, they started making wine in Abkhazia even earlier - about 8 thousand years ago, since the shards of wine jugs found during excavations date back to 6 thousand BC. These vessels were filled with wine and buried in the ground, where the drink ripened, enriched with additional flavors and aromas. Today, this technology has survived only in the Georgian region of Kakheti.

Characteristics. Apsny wine has a sweet-tart rich taste with a slight sourness. The bouquet will not break up into separate notes, but is perceived as one harmonious whole, in which shades of blackcurrant and a pronounced taste of natural grapes are well felt.

The subtlety and “smoothness” of the bouquet is largely determined by technology, since the wine does not contain additives and is included in the category of naturally sweet varieties. It is curious that the director of the Sukhumi winery, Nikolai Achba, is the grandson of the famous Abkhazian winemaker and descendant of an ancient princely family, also Nikolai Achba. There is a legend that the director knows the family secret and successfully applies the old technique in production.

Despite the fact that the title of "prince of Abkhazian wines" firmly holds, it is believed that it is a sip of Apsna that allows you to truly feel the originality of the Abkhazian feast.

Production features

Apsny wine is produced only at the Sukhumi winery, which is part of the Wines and Waters of Abkhazia concern. The company has been operating since 1930, was reconstructed in 1999 and now boasts modern equipment.

Apsny is a natural semi-sweet wine, which means that sugar is not added to the drink, but the sweetest grape varieties are used. Berries are harvested at the very end of October when the maximum sugar content is reached. After the wine has gained the desired strength, the container with the must is cooled to 2-3 degrees, which interrupts the fermentation process. Thus, part of the natural sugar remains in the drink, and the wine acquires a particularly delicate taste.

How to drink Apsny wine

Abkhazian Apsny wine is cooled to 16-18°C before serving and drunk from classic red wine glasses. The drink goes well with grilled meats, grilled vegetables, cheeses, fruits and even hot dishes. An open bottle is recommended to be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than a day.

Red wine lovers warn that it is easy to lose count of glasses from Apsna: wine is easy to drink, and intoxication comes so gently and imperceptibly. Sometimes the effect of a feast appears only at the moment when an inexperienced taster tries to get on his feet.

Since Russia is the main market for Abkhazian wines, it is not difficult to find Apsny on the shelves of chain supermarkets. The cost of a drink is about $15, and in Abkhazia itself you can buy a bottle of semi-sweet red 2-3 times cheaper.