Top 6 Russian Wines

Maxim Brecht's Cider is a Russian craft cider producer founded by Maxim Brecht, who has been making cider since 2011 and officially established his cidery in 2016 in the Istra district. His philosophy is based on complete naturalness - using only freshly pressed apple juice without concentrates, added sugar, water, colors, flavors, or pasteurization.

The apples come from orchards where no pesticides are used, preserving the authenticity and purity of the raw material. After specializing at the Cider Academy in England, Maxim planted a collection orchard with 57 European tannic apple varieties in the Tula region, which began producing its first fruits in 2022.

Until then, most of the production relied on Russian dessert varieties, from which different cider styles were created. Their ciders are characterized by pronounced apple aromas, complexity, and a balance between acidity and natural sweetness.

Minimal intervention in the fermentation process allows each bottle to retain its terroir and the individuality of the harvest year. The brand’s vision is to position cider as a worthy alternative to wine and sparkling drinks, with broad gastronomic potential.

Thanks to this approach, Maxim Brecht's Cider has become recognized as one of the pioneers of authentic Russian cider. Today, their products stand out at festivals and in restaurants, attracting audiences who value natural and craft beverages.

Through careful orchard management and ongoing innovation, Maxim Brecht continues to build a reputation as a producer who unites tradition, terroir, and contemporary craft spirit.Expand

Toksovo Cidrerie is a small producer from northwestern Russia, known for its experimental approach and the use of apples sourced from abandoned orchards and households. Their philosophy is based on natural fermentation without the addition of sugar, colorants, or preservatives, which preserves the authentic character of the cider.

Production takes place in collaboration with smaller breweries, as they do not own their own facilities, allowing them flexibility and small-batch artisanal series. Their range includes diverse styles, with a special focus on ciders that combine local apples with modern techniques, creating unusual yet harmonious profiles.

Their products are not always consistently available, precisely because of the small batches and the natural process that requires time. The brand is closely connected to the “On the Bones” project and the local community, through apple exchange and the promotion of cider culture.

This approach makes Toksovo Cidrerie one of the most interesting examples of independent production on the Russian scene.Expand