Kakhuri Gvinis Marani Saperavi Qvevri 2018

The largest winery in our selection is known for its traditional style of winemaking. This Kakhuri Gvinis Marani Saperavi Qvevri is also one of the wines with the most traditional Georgian character. The grapes are hand-harvested from one of the vineyards owned by the winery. The total 500-hectare vineyards are spread across the most suitable micro-zones for the grapes used to make the wine: Tsinandali, Teliani, Akhasheni, Mukuzani, Manavi, and Gurjaani. Winemaker Temur Gonjilashvili is a renowned winemaker in Georgia who teaches enology at the university and is frequently referenced in many books as a source of information.

The wine, typical of Saperavi from the qvevri, has a deep red color that almost no light passes through. Aromas of overripe fruit and dried tomato come to the nose, along with a hint of cherries. The first sip offers a hint of blackberries and cherries combined with a more serious earthy tone. It is a very full-bodied wine that, due to its fruity character, still feels beautiful and playful. The tannins present (very common for a young red wine from the qvevri) are nice, smooth, and not unpleasant. They also ensure that the wine has good aging potential.

Pair this wine with a nice piece of grilled meat, perhaps game meat with a cranberry sauce. But a nice, salty stew also suits this wine well. We personally prefer to sit down with this wine and a cheese platter, often including Epoisses. Then we enjoy every sip and match the wine with the different cheeses.