With one of the most favorable growing conditions and a lengthy viticultural history spanning back to the 4th century BC, the Ukraine is, after a slight interruption during the late 1980s (see other ex Soviet states Georgia and Bulgaria), establishing itself as a serious producer of quality. The Massandra winery, built in 1890s to supply the tsar’s summer palace, is world renowned for its strong and sweet vins doux naturels. Wine grapes account for 80% of total vineyard area with the most popular varieties being Rkatsiteli, Aligote, Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi and Riesling. Although mostly consumer domestically and across the border in Russia, Soviet Sparkling Wine production has taken off, now producing over 50 million bottles a year. Pinot Blanc, Aligote, Riesling and Fetiaska are the most popular varieties used to form the base wines.