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Who knows Alupka?

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 3:18 pm
by Marc Sherwin
I have run across an odd lot at auction.

1940 White port - Alupka, Massandra

I've never heard of Alupka - can anyone help out?

Re: Who knows Alupka?

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 3:39 pm
by Andy Velebil
I've seen these lots at aution several times in the past year or so. Don't think many bottles have sold, as they keep coming back in the same large quantities. IIRC, Messandra is a Livadia made fortified wine. I think they mainly use Cabernet grapes in their Ports, with some other stuff too. I've never had one and have no idea if they are good or not. I also have no idea about the Alupka, sorry.

Re: Who knows Alupka?

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:02 pm
by David Spriggs
I thought that I would make this clear (blunt) - Massandra is not made in Portugal, it's made in the Ukraine in the Crimea. It was a famous drink of the Russian Tsars. Massandra makes many different wines, most of them fortified. They use names on their wines that are no longer allowed in the EU - such as Port, Madeira, and Tokay (Tokai). The wines can be extremely good... or just very average.
-Dave-

Re: Who knows Alupka?

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:04 pm
by David Spriggs
.

Re: Who knows Alupka?

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:31 am
by Marc Sherwin
Dave,
as someone who has been called blunt myself, I appreciate the clarity you provided.

Re: Who knows Alupka?

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:51 am
by Moses Botbol
Russian "port". Had something very similar from the 40's last weekend; not white and just average tasting.

If the price is right or you're really curious, go for it. If not, no biggie.