Chateau Chizay is a famous Ukrainian winery from the Zakarpattia region, which has a long tradition of winemaking. The winery produces quality wines from local and international grape varieties, using modern technologies and terroirs.
About the Producer
Chateau Chizay, Zakarpattia
The Chateau Chizay Story
Chateau Chizay was founded in 1995 in the village of Berehove in the Zakarpattia region, the Westernmost region in Ukraine, a few kilometers from the Hungarian border. The first vineyards were planted here more than 2,000 years ago, before the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Chizay has a deep connection to the Zakarpattia region’s long history of winemaking which has been influenced over the years by Hungarian, Italian, and Austrian traditions.
GRAPE VARIETIES
The terroir of the Transcarpathia wine region is considered ideal for aromatic dry white wines. More recently, due to climate change, red varieties are also doing well. The first Charmat method sparkling wines were introduced in 2020 and the first traditional method sparkling wines were introduced in 2022.
White Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Furmint, Riesling, Gewurtzraminer, Chersegi, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Grigio
Red Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Blaufrankisch
WINES
The initial lineup of still wines for the U.S., all from the 2022 vintage and the first produced since the 2022 Russian invasion, will include Sauvignon Blanc, Rose of Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It will also include a Brut Rose sparkling wine made from 100% Blaufrankisch.
The Vineyard
Chizay’s winery was built at the same location as a winery from the 17th century in the Chizay Valley. The Carpathian Mountains are characterized by ancient forests and highland rivers with warm temperatures, moderate rainfall, and protection from cold Northern winds, providing for ideal growing conditions.
GEOLOGY & SOIL
The foothills of the Carpathia Mountains are of volcanic origin and optimal for vines, forcing them to develop deep root systems to reach valuable trace elements. Chizay’s vineyard sites, 272 total hectares planted in 2006, are predominantly volcanic with pockets of limestone and loam and are found in the villages of Berehove (70 ha), Zavydovo (81 ha), and Midianytsia (121 ha). Berehove is 130 km east of the village of Tokaj, Hungary with which it shares the Transcarpathian Mountain range and predominantly volcanic soils.
Chateau Chizay is the first winery in Ukraine to sign on to the Porto Protocol which is committed to promoting sustainability in all aspects of viticulture and winemaking. Chateau Chizay’s commitment includes mulching all vine prunings to be returned to the vineyard as organic fertilizer. They have also begun a transition to solar energy for the winery and electrical vehicles for the farming and winemaking operations.
The Wines
The first production since the russian Invasion in 2022
Sauvignon Blanc
2022 Sauvignon Blanc
The nose is bright and citrusy with some floral notes. On the palate ripe yellow grapefruit leads to a savory and mineral finish.
Rose
Brut Rose
The nose is bright with fresh strawberry notes complemented by savory notes. On the palate citrus and red berry fruit leads to a slightly creamy texture that finishes with bright and subtle notes of salinity.
Rose of Pinot Noir
2022 Rose of Pinot Noir
The aroma has notes of ripe strawberries, raspberries, cherries and hints of citrus. On the palate, it is a light and harmonious wine with a pleasant, refreshing acidity and tones of red berries.
Cabernet Sauvignon
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromas of fruity tones, spices, a touch of freshness and blackcurrant leaves. On the palate, you'll find that it is full-bodied and fruit-forward, with moderate tannins and a pleasant acidity.
