Forget French wine and German lager -- buy Ukrainian

By Aussiegirl

I received the following press release -- so -- who needs the French and Germans -- when Ukrainians make the best tasting lager and sparkling wine in the world (or at least Canada).

UKRAINIAN PRODUCTS WIN BIG IN TORONTO

Ukrainian Beers and Bubbly win Medals at the Toronto Wine and Cheese Show
Ukrainian products submitted for competition at the prestigious Toronto Wine and Cheese Show have won medals in all their categories. The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of experts.
Lvivske lager beer won the Gold medal for best European-style larger, while Slavutich won a Bronze medal in the same category. Krimsekt Semi-dry sparkling wine won the Bronze for Sweet Sparkling wine. No Gold or Silver medal was awarded in this category. This builds on the Gold Medal won by Krimsekt Brut sparkling wine at the Ottawa Food and Wine Show in November of
2004.

John Vellinga, CEO of Multiculture Bevco (the Canadian distributor for all three products), was extremely pleased with the result. This is extraordinary. We won medals with three out of the four products that we submitted. It is our mission to bring the best of Ukraine to the rest of the world. This proves that not only are we bringing the best of Ukraine, but that the best of Ukraine is also the best in the world, said Vellinga.

Oliver Dawson is a noted beer expert and President of the Beer Lovers Tour Company. Says Dawson, I have always been impressed by these two fine products. Not only have they won medals, including a Gold, but they have done so in very distinguished company. Creemore Springs tied Slavutich for the Bronze, while Steam Whistle won the Silver medal. This proves that Lvivske and Slavutich are winners, even when compared to some of the best craft beers in the market.

Lvivske lager, the Gold Medal winner, is produced in Lviv, one of Ukraines most historic and beautiful cities. The brewery is almost three centuries old and is renowned for producing some of Europes best beers. Slavutich, although a relatively new brand, is already the second-best selling beer in Ukraine. Brewed in Central Ukraine, it has won numerous international awards and has been named Ukraines best tasting beer. Slavutich and Lvivske are available at LCBO stores throughout Ontario, as well as in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Vellinga was also delighted with Krimsekts win. This builds on our extraordinary Gold medal win in Ottawa last year, he said. Krimsekt sparkling wines are made in the champagne method. They are double fermented for three years to create natural carbonation, hand riddled and crafted with the same meticulous techniques as the great champagne houses of France. The Krimsekt winery was founded 54 years ago and is one of the only wineries in the world located entirely underground: in a vast 25 hectare complex of deep caves and cellars which was once a gypsum mine. Just like the chalk caves of Champagne, these deep caverns keep temperature and humidity perfect for producing and cellaring champagne-method wines year-round. The grapes are grown in the ideal soil and climate of the historic Crimean Peninsula. Krimsekt bubblies can be purchased by the case of 6 though special order.

We have assembled the largest array of Ukrainian products ever, in the largest display ever, at the largest show in the country, boasted Vellinga. I urge everyone over 19 to come out to the Toronto Wine and Cheese Show this weekend and try all of these great products, as well as the amazing selection of products offered by other companies.

Ukrainian-Canadians should be proud that products of such calibre hail from their homeland, adds Victor Koszarny, Sales Director for the company and a Ukrainian-Canadian himself. We have a great selection of Ukrainian products at the LCBO. It is really satisfying that they are getting the recognition that they deserve. I only wish that there had been a vodka competition, because our Slava Ultra-Premium Vodka is phenomenal. The vodka is also available at the LCBO and will be launched soon across the rest of Canada and the US.

Ukraine is one of the largest countries in Europe, with a population of almost 50 million. The country has figured prominently in the news of late, after a massive, peaceful and popular revolution established a true democracy and independent state. Ukrainians are one of Canadas largest ethnic groups.

The Toronto Wine and Cheese Show takes place April 8-10, 2005 at the International Centre. Tickets are available in advance or at the door.

WEB SITES FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION:

Slavutich and Lvivske Beers
Click on the logos at the top of the home page.

Krimsekt Sparkling Wine

Slava Ultra Premium Vodka

Toronto Wine and Cheese Show