Polonius3 1,000 | 12,446 22 May 2011 #1Off and on I have been hearing about a nascent Polish vineyard and wine industry. They used to produce grape wine in Zielona Góra back in commie times, but back then the regime could bankroll any project for propaganda purposes. Can Polish soil and climate conditions sustain an indigenous wine industry? I am referring to grape-based wines, not the jabole, Mamrot, Uśmiech Sołtysa, Cycula, etc., preferred by impoverished alcoholics.
gumishu 13 | 6,113 22 May 2011 #2we have a couple of grape plants in our garden - some where severely affected by the snow that fell on the 3rd of May this year - this is I think what is the main obstacle to the developement of any serious wine industry
wildrover 98 | 4,451 22 May 2011 #3I had a great grape vine growing up the side of my barn , it produced very sweet tasty purple grapes...Unfortunatly , the last winter storm brought the old barn down and squashed the vine...the grapes that were taken from the vine at the end of last summer are now fermenting at my friends farm and should result in some nice vino...I never got around to making wine myself , i just ate the grapes...
poland_ 22 May 2011 #4I researched the possibility of wine production in Poland about 15 years ago, there is actually 1 or 2 regions of Poland that are recognize as appellation by the EU, because of their history of producing wine and the terroir. The main grapes would be the same as northern Germany Reisling, Gewerstemeiner and Moscat. If my memory serves me correctly there is also a Polish hybrid wine that is unique to Poland. As far as the weather is concerned it is not a problem, all Central/Northern Europe have similar weather.
delphiandomine 88 | 18,446 22 May 2011 #5I am referring to grape-based wines, not the jabole, Mamrot, Uśmiech Sołtysa, Cycula, etc., preferred by impoverished alcoholics.Again, being judgemental towards others.Such a good Catholic, aren't you?
alexw68 22 May 2011 #6Again, being judgemental towards others.Rare occasion though it is, I think I might have to side with P3 on this one.Have you tried jabol???
alexw68 22 May 2011 #8Yes, if you leave said wine open on the window-sill in high summer for a week, and then add sugar and meths.
grubas 12 | 1,390 22 May 2011 #9Is it like a fine French wine.....?Better.Drink 2 0.75 bottles and I promise you will have quality time without paying an arm and a leg like in case of fine French wine.
OP Polonius3 1,000 | 12,446 22 May 2011 #11being judgemental towards otheThe PC dictatorship has really nasr-ł ci do mózgu (excrementalised your brain).I reckon you'd be happy only by hearing someone refer to p-ss poor winos as 'financially challenged non-teetotallers'.
Sebastian 6 | 108 22 May 2011 #12I don't think there will be a big industry. We have the best vodka out there, and our beer is great, but we can't make good wine. Poland simply doesn't have the right climate. Yes, some grapes can be grown, but the quality will not be good. Lets not kid ourselves, Polish wine sucks lol. France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and Chile make the best wines. The have the perfect climate to make it, and they have a long tradition in wine making.
OP Polonius3 1,000 | 12,446 23 May 2011 #13Don't forget California. Some of their wines can rival the world's best! One of the California vineyards, Stag's Leap, is owned and operated by the PolAm (nomen omen) Winiarski family.
Pinching Pete - | 558 23 May 2011 #14One of the California vineyards, Stag's Leap, is owned and operated by the PolAm (nomen omen) Winiarski family.Hmm pretty cool.. I'll look them up. Keep the money in the family I say.
Des Essientes 7 | 1,291 23 May 2011 #15Stag's LeapThis is one of our best Californian vintages. Every bottle I've drank has been superb.
ShawnH 8 | 1,507 23 May 2011 #17Stag's LeapApparently available in Ontario's LCBO. Not cheap by any stretch of the imagination! Might be worth a try though...
Pinching Pete - | 558 23 May 2011 #18Not cheap by any stretch of the imagination!No.. it isn't at that. Might get one bottle though of Sauvignon though.
ShawnH 8 | 1,507 23 May 2011 #19I am generally more a fan of reds, but know that whites fill a need at times... Might just check them out...If you get a bottle, be sure to post a review, huh?
Pinching Pete - | 558 23 May 2011 #20If you get a bottle, be sure to post a review, huh?Sure.. not exactly an oenophile but I'll do my best. For $50 I won't be swigging on my balcony that's for sure. Anytime I know of a Polish business I make a point to make a purchase.
ShawnH 8 | 1,507 23 May 2011 #21..too business making awesome whiskey. ;- )Got a favourite? We are apparently known for our ice whine too!Seriously, maybe Poland has some climes that may be appropriate for ice wine...?
Bzibzioh 23 May 2011 #22We are apparently known for our ice whine too!Did you ever try that one, Shawny? Someone in ...Poland asked me about it so I had to try it. Way too sweet for me.
ShawnH 8 | 1,507 23 May 2011 #23Did you ever try that one, ShawnyI've tried a couple, and I agree they are sweet. More of a dessert thing, than something to enjoy an entree with. I had one that went well with this chocolate torte, though. I don't personally stock any in my extensive ;-) cellar though....
Bzibzioh 23 May 2011 #24More of a dessert thing, than something to enjoy an entree with.That's exactly what I said. But good suggestion for a gift for someone in Poland, they seem all very excited about it.in my extensive ;-) cellar... how extensive ...? :)
Harry 2 Nov 2012 #26Anybody who has been to Sandomierz recently knows how well the Polish wine industry is doing: stunningly good wine, only held back by the Polish obsession with red tape.