South Ossetia is a disputed region and partly recognized state in the South Caucasus, located in the territory of the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast within the former Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, north of the city of Gori. South Ossetians declared independence from Georgia in 1990, calling the entity the Republic of South Ossetia. Fighting occurred in 2004 and 2008, the last conflict leading to Ossetian separatists and Russian troops gaining full control of the territory of the former South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast. In the wake of the 2008 South Ossetia War, Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Nauru recognized South Ossetia as an independent republic.
The reality is that South Ossetia operates now (2011) as a very small, independent republic, having an alignment to Russia. The population in 2007 was 72,000. This population has reduced considerably, many residents of Georgian descent having fled to Georgia as refugees during the 2008 war.
The wine I have from South Ossetia is home-made by Margo Vakhtangashvili, from Lomiauri grapes grown in Eredvi (located more or less in the middle of the Republic of South Ossetia). The wine is a medium-bodied, pleasant red, perfectly drinkable. In fact, I managed to consume two litres of this pleasant wine in the few days after my visit to Georgia.
Robert would appreciate any information on wine production in countries and autonomous regions not listed. You may contact Robert here.