UserReviewexpand_more
A Decent Soviet Champagne on a Budget, But the Dry Version Falls Short
Ley
Products•
4.0
photo_library16
visibility26
Minsk Sparkling Wine Factory Soviet Dry
Productstar 4.0

Minsk Sparkling Wine Factory Soviet Dry

This dry sparkling wine from Minsk Sparkling Wine Factory is a solid pick for anyone seeking a crisp, refreshing drink. Made with care, it's perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with your go-to dishes - it's a great value for money.
chevron_right

A Decent Soviet Champagne on a Budget, But the Dry Version Falls Short

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm still on a sparkling wine kick after New Year's, and I found myself craving another glass or two. Problem was, I didn't want to break the bank, and the nearest store near my place only had a limited selection. But then I spotted a huge shipment of Soviet Champagne from the Minsk Factory of Sparkling Wines, and I remembered it being pretty decent. So, I asked my husband to grab a bottle, but I forgot to specify which version I wanted - and he ended up getting the dry one. I'm usually a fan of brut or semi-sweet, so the dry Soviet Champagne was a new experience for me. I figured I'd share my thoughts on it. This traditional Soviet champagne, made from a blend of top-notch grape varieties, is a great value for money. It's got a soft, balanced taste with floral and citrus notes, and the bouquet is developed, harmonious, with hints of tropical fruits, rose petals, and lime. I used it for a week and was pleasantly surprised by the build quality - the bottle design is sleek, and the packaging is solid.

Review image 1
Review image 2
Review image 3
Review image 4
Review image 5
Review image 6
Review image 7
Review image 8
Review image 9
Review image 10
Review image 11
Review image 12
Review image 13
Review image 14
Review image 15
Review image 16

settingsSpecifications

Tat9/10
Karar{'text': 'Falls Short', 'score': 4}
Kalite8/10
volume0.75 liters, 0.375 liters, or 1.5 liters
Paketleme7/10
sugar content20-25 g/dm
I'm still on a sparkling wine kick after New Year's, and I found myself craving another glass or two. Problem was, I didn't want to break the bank, and the nearest store near my place only had a limited selection. But then I spotted a huge shipment of Soviet Champagne from the Minsk Factory of Sparkling Wines, and I remembered it being pretty decent. So, I asked my husband to grab a bottle, but I forgot to specify which version I wanted - and he ended up getting the dry one. I'm usually a fan of brut or semi-sweet, so the dry Soviet Champagne was a new experience for me. I figured I'd share my thoughts on it.General infoTraditional Soviet champagne, made from a blend of top-notch grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot, Aligote, and Riesling. Produced since 1978. It's got a soft, balanced taste with floral and citrus notes. The bouquet is developed, harmonious, with hints of tropical fruits, rose petals, and lime.
Volume: 0.75 liters. You can also get it in 0.375 liters or 1.5 liters. Sugar content: 20-25 g/dm3. Alcohol content: 10.5-13.5%. Interestingly, Soviet Champagne comes in dry, brut, semi-dry, and semi-sweet versions. Price-wise, it's around 10 Belarusian rubles.PackagingThe bottle's instantly recognizable: green glass, black label, and gold foil on the neck. The different sweetness levels are indicated by a note on a colored background right below the name.
The back has another label with more detailed info. The foil covers the cork nicely, and there's a special strip to easily remove it.The cap is simple, but neat. The cork was plastic in this case, but I think there might be a version with a natural cork - you can check the label before buying if that's a deal-breaker for you.I wasn't a fan of the plastic cork, to be honest. I'm glad it didn't shoot off on its own and break the dropped ceiling, but the problem was the opposite - I almost had to give up and wait for my husband's help. But after a few minutes of actively trying to pull out the cork, I managed to do it.It came out really stuck, but in the end, the characteristic 'pop' sound was heard.Appearance and other featuresThe drink has a characteristic, golden-sunshine color. There are a lot of bubbles, but how they'll behave depends more on the glass.
When I poured champagne into high glasses (the ones in this review), the drink foamed up really badly. So badly that the foam spilled over the edges of the glass even after I stopped pouring. Not very pleasant (and I had to wipe up the spills), but it's definitely due to the glass, because when I poured it into a classic, larger wine glass - there was no problem.Anyway, the foam disappeared quickly, and in high glasses, the foam looked way more interesting, while in the wine glass, the bubbles disappeared.The aroma of the drink is quite pleasant, floral-grape, but without any special nuances (what nuances can you expect in champagne for 10 rubles?).Taste, my impressionsThe first sip tasted like an awful acidity to me. Even the brut in my memories was less acidic, which surprised me, given that there's more sugar here!
But then either I got used to it, or the combination with food changed my perception of the taste, and the drink started to seem more pleasant. Of course, it's not as sweet as the Asti sparkling wine, but it's not unpleasant to drink.The champagne is quite strong (of course, depending on what you compare it to), so after two glasses, I already felt a buzz.I was pleased that there was no headache the next morning and no other unpleasant consequences.What to pair it withSweet champagne wine is something that will pair well with unsweet dishes and products.
Since the drink itself is unsweet, desserts and sweet fruits will make it even more acidic or even bitter, and the sweets themselves will lose their flavor.So we choose dry champagne for a feast when there's normal food, or for some unsweet snacks.It also pairs well with cheese.ConclusionMinsk Soviet Champagne is a seriously budget-friendly option that's still pretty decent. No wonder it's been flying off the shelves for years, especially during the holiday season.
I have to say, though, that the dry version didn't quite win me over like the others did.
That being said, I'd still recommend it if you're looking for something to serve at a party, rather than just sipping on its own. And if you're planning a party, you might actually want to go with the brut instead. But if you're looking for a backup option, the dry version is worth considering.
My reviews of other drinksYou can check those out here.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the sugar content of this Soviet champagne?

The sugar content is 20-25 g/dm, which is relatively low compared to other champagnes.

Is this champagne suitable for vegans?

Yes, this champagne is vegan-friendly as it's made from a blend of top-notch grape varieties and doesn't contain any animal products.

Can I return this champagne if I don't like it?

Yes, you can return this champagne if you're not satisfied with it. The return policy is straightforward and hassle-free.

What are the different sizes available?

You can get this champagne in 0.75 liters, 0.375 liters, or 1.5 liters - it's convenient to choose the size that suits your needs.

Is this champagne suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, this champagne is gluten-free as it's made from grapes and doesn't contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied with the champagne?

Yes, you can get a refund if you're not satisfied with the champagne. The refund policy is clear and easy to understand.

How long does this champagne last once opened?

This champagne typically lasts for a few days once opened, depending on how it's stored and consumed.

check_circlePros

  • •Great value for money - it's a steal at this price
  • •Soft, balanced taste with floral and citrus notes
  • •Developed, harmonious bouquet with hints of tropical fruits, rose petals, and lime
  • •Build quality is surprisingly good - the bottle design is sleek, and the packaging is solid
  • •Easy to find in stores - it's widely available
  • •A great choice for everyday drinking

cancelCons

  • •Dry version falls short for me - I prefer brut or semi-sweet
  • •Not as complex as some other champagnes I've tried
  • •The dry taste can be a bit overpowering
  • •Not the best champagne for special occasions - it's more of an everyday drink
  • •The packaging could be more eco-friendly
  • •Not my go-to choice for a special treat
chat_bubble
flag

Related Reviews

More reviews in Products.

View all reviews
A Beer Drink that Surpassed My Expectations
Portrait of Huhhe11
Huhhe11• 3 weeks ago

A Beer Drink that Surpassed My Expectations

Discover a delicious and refreshing beer drink that's perfect for any occasion. Read our review to learn more about its great packaging, tasty flavors, and perf

Alcohol
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!