A steaming bowl of South Ukrainian Borsch — brimming with slow-cooked beef, beets, cabbage and tangy tomatoes — deserves a wine that celebrates its hearty roots. Wine expert Ollie Smith picks Bolgrad Select Collection Saperavi 2024 from Ukraine to match it perfectly. The pairing theme is structure meets earthiness: the wine’s bold tannins and dark fruit grip the stew’s richness while its acidity refreshes every spoonful.
The Wine: Ukrainian Powerhouse
Saperavi is Georgia’s iconic dark-skinned grape, now shining in Ukraine’s southern vineyards where sunny days build ripe, concentrated fruit. Bolgrad’s Select Collection 2024 delivers a medium-full bodied red bursting with black cherry, damson and blackberry, laced with peppery spice and subtle earth notes. Thick grape skins bring firm tannins and vibrant acidity, creating a savoury, structured profile that’s bold yet balanced — never heavy or overly sweet. It’s a testament to Ukraine’s resilient wine scene, now reaching UK shelves at around £8-£9 (Lidl).
Why It Complements the Dish
Handling the Main Protein/Texture: Firm tannins latch onto the tender beef, providing structure that matches the borsch’s hearty chunks without overwhelming the softer veg textures.
Cutting Richness/Sauce: Bright acidity slices through the tomato-beet broth and any fat from the meat, cleansing the palate and amplifying the stew’s tangy brightness.
Complementing Secondary Flavours: Earthy plum and spice aromatics echo beets, cabbage depth and dill/garlic notes, weaving a seamless Ukrainian harmony.
Ollie Smith’s choice proves Eastern reds can steal the show with borsch — robust, soul-warming and spot-on. Grab Bolgrad Select Collection Saperavi 2024 from Lidl, pair it with your South Ukrainian Borsch, and toast to bold flavours that bridge cultures beautifully.