How sanctions are boosting Russian wine

Russian winemakers have seen a surge in domestic demand after Western sanctions cut off imports and made foreign wines more expensive. Local wines now account for nearly two-thirds of Russia's market, up from a quarter a decade ago. The Nikolaev & Sons vineyard in Krasnodar region plans to double its sparkling wine production from 60,000 to 120,000 bottles annually by 2032. The Kremlin has promoted patriotic consumption of local products to offset sanctions' economic impact. However, in a blind tasting of Russian and German Rieslings at a Moscow wine bar, all three participants preferred the German wine, citing smoother taste and more nuanced flavors. Russian wine industry experts believe it may take two decades to reach 'collectable' status, but quality gaps remain evident.