Posted: 25.09.2024
A miracle from Traminer – the wine that became a legend. Presenting the Collection Wine: “Troyanda Karpat” vintage 2017
Why is this wine so special? It combines a wonderful history, exceptional grapes, remarkable professionalism, and that very love for winemaking that makes this wine truly exceptional. On September 18, the wine world celebrates Traminer Day. On this occasion, we proudly present the collection wine “Troyanda Karpat” Vintage 2017 and share the story of how this “star” was born – a phenomenon in the wine world and a source of pride for Chateau Chizay, Zakarpattia, and Ukraine.
HISTORY: Glory and Decline
In 1959, winemakers from Zakarpattia created a special wine from Traminer Pink grapes: a dessert wine aged in oak barrels.
Consumers quickly fell in love with it, and within a few years, “Troyanda” became the hallmark of Zakarpattia winemaking.
It received numerous prestigious awards in the 1960s-80s, including at international competitions.
It was known as a rare, valuable gift, and even an effective “bribe,” as people used to say that this wine could open any door.
A wine shop with a tasting room in the center of Kyiv was even named in its honor.
In 1986, the “anti-alcohol campaign” was launched, resulting in 90% of vineyards being uprooted, and winemaking fell into decline.
By the end of the 20th century, the production of this legendary wine had completely ceased.
A DREAM THAT BIRTHS SUCCESS
Hugo Hutman is the founder, owner, and president of Chateau Chizay. Born in Zakarpattia and deeply in love with his native land and the art of winemaking, it was his grandfather who instilled in him this passion.
In 1995, Hugo founded the company, which became Ukraine’s first private winery established from scratch, not built on Soviet heritage.
“While building the winery, I dreamed of having our own vineyards. And I also dreamed of reviving the wine that had been the hallmark of Zakarpattia for decades. My dream came true in 2012 when we bottled the first batch of ‘Troyanda Karpat’. Today, it is our ‘star’. Success is born from a dream!”
GRAPES – the Beginning
In 2005, while planning to plant its own vineyards, Chateau Chizay began searching across Europe for Traminer Pink grape seedlings. The goal was to revive the legendary “Troyanda”, as wine begins with the grapes.
At the same time, the team consulted with experienced Zakarpattia winemakers who had previously helped create the famous dessert wine.
In 2006, Chateau Chizay planted seedlings sourced from Austria. A total of 272 hectares, including a 4-hectare Traminer vineyard in the Mala Hora region, marked the beginning of a new chapter.
In 2010, the harvest of Traminer Pink from the Mala Hora microzone allowed for the creation of the highest-quality dessert wine for the first time. Chateau Chizay laid down the first “Troyanda Carpat” wine, restoring the authentic technology.
Not every year do the grapes reach the required sugar level for “Troyanda Karpat” – at least 24%. Every season, this is a challenge for the viticulturists and a major question for the winemakers: will we be able to make “Troyanda” this year?
To date, there have only been three vintages – 2010, 2017, and 2021.
The first “Troyanda Karpat” in 2010 was crafted by Halyna Novytska, the head technologist at Chateau Chizay, who had experience creating the original “Troyanda”. She recalls:
“This wine is the hallmark and pride of Zakarpattia winemakers. We worked hard to create the new ‘Troyanda’. We were incredibly anxious – after all, we were reviving a legend! And when in 2012 the wine received the highest marks from the National Tasting Commission, it was a great joy to hear words of admiration from the experts.”
In 2017, the wine was crafted by Zoltan Udvargelii, the chief winemaker at Chateau Chizay:
“Each year, ‘Troyanda Karpat’ receives international awards, and I am proud that my work has contributed to this. I take great pride in this wine.”
GOLD IN A BOTTLE
“Troyanda Karpat” is a wine made using a complex technology and is a vintage wine. The wine spends 24 months aging in precious oak. For the aging process, Chateau Chizay uses French barriques (225-liter oak barrels).
Prolonged aging brings out the wine’s nobility, making it complex and harmonious. Rich and incredibly pleasant aromas develop, and the taste gains elegance and depth. It will certainly delight with its long, pleasant aftertaste, which is a hallmark of the finest wines.
The vintage dessert white wine “Troyanda Karpat” is often referred to as “liquid gold.” Those who have tasted it say that “Troyanda Karpat” is unmistakable – you recognize it instantly!
The 2017 vintage release was exceptional and is now a collector’s item. This wine is for special occasions and makes the perfect gift. Its value as a collectible bottle will continue to grow each year, and the wine’s style allows it to be stored for many years. The release slogan is “A signature wine – made for aging, perfected for preservation.”
UKRAINE’S AMBASSADOR
“Troyanda Karpat” has earned unprecedented world-class awards, representing Ukraine at prestigious international competitions in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Brussels, Strasbourg, Tokyo, and beyond. This is how “wine diplomacy” is created: wine presents its country as a producer of high-quality products, a land of hard work, talent, and development.
In 2022, as part of the project “Ukrainian Wine – Part of the Global Wine Heritage of La Cité du Vin,” a competition was held where an esteemed jury selected wines for this honorable mission.
After its victory, “Troyanda Karpat” became the Ambassador of Ukrainian Winemaking at La Cité du Vin – the world’s leading wine museum in Bordeaux, France. There, it represents the entire industry, Zakarpattia, and Ukraine as a whole.
In 2024, the wine once again becomes an ambassador. Additionally, a new selection – the vintage dessert red wine “Troyanda Karpat” – has been chosen, continuing the legacy.
…Experience the wonder of the rare “Troyanda Karpat” 2017 vintage – order this wine as a centerpiece for your collection, a valuable gift, or for creating unforgettable memories.
In every golden, fragrant drop lies a rich history, along with immense hard work and a deep love for winemaking, for Zakarpattia, and for Ukraine…
