Abavas, a family-owned winery producing apple wine, cider, apple brandy, eau de vie among others was established in 2010 by Mārtinš Barkāns in the beautiful valley of Abava, Latvia, hence the name. But Mārtinš doesn’t focus only on beverages made from apples, also other fruits such as grapes, blackcurrants, chokeberries, raspberries but also veggies such as rhubarb are used as raw material for the production of their alcoholic products.
Today I’m reviewing their Ābolu Vīns Sausais (dry apple wine), which was awarded Pomme d’Or at the International Apfelwein Weltweit in Frankfurt in 2015.
Company: SIA Abavas dārzi, “Kalējkrāmi”
Place of Origin: Slampes country, Tukuma region, Latvia
Apples: a blend of Latvian apples
Sweetness as per label: dry
ABV: 12%
Package type: 750ml wine bottle with natural cork
Recommended type of glass: white wine glass
Appearance: pours a clear pale straw. No visible carbonation. Body is low.
Aroma/Nose: the nose is fruity and acidic with notes of crisp, tart and ripe yellow apples, a lightly vinous note and nectarines with hints of green notes.
Taste: the first sip is more semi-dry than dry with some residual sweetness to it and medium lemon-like acidity. On the mid-palate notes of white wine grapes, nectarine, yellow apple and herbal notes. The aftertaste is dry leading to a slightly boozy biting finish with a hint of white pepper, a touch of chalk, distant smoky note, juicy green apple and a hint of pink grapefruit flesh.
Overall: Ābolu Vīns Sausais is a very interesting apple wine. Starting with an unusually high ABV of 12% and unique notes on the palate typical rather for white wine such as notes of nectarine, peach or white pepper. With every sip, you discover a new flavour, which makes this Latvian apple wine elegant and complex. Only the light boozy taste is disturbing here, otherwise a really nice wine that can appeal to all types of taste buds. Also, it will go well with veal. 4/6
Cider Explorer 
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