Vazisubani Estate Saperavi 2020

Vineyards:
Vineyards were planted in 2016 at one of the best plots of the Mukuzani PDO – Vazisubani Estate. We have Saperavi Round Berry and Saperavi Budeshuri, i.e., with ovoid berries. The latter matures 10 to 14 days earlier than its counterpart and is plentiful in varietal aromas, is softer and easy to tame with its tannins.
The vines are treated only manually including selective picking, when ready to harvest. Both types of Saperavi are considered the best of Georgian reds and probably among the few best in the world.

Harvest:
Harvest day is decided when the grapes are fully responding to the final wine style requirements. We pick our grapes only manually to ensure the highest quality. Sometimes we co-ferment both Saperavi varieties to ensure the year’s specifics are used for the best of the final style. However, in most cases, we vinify Saperavi Budeshuri alone for its suppleness in Qvevri Style.

Vinification:
Depending on the year, grapes may be or may not be de-stemmed. Partial de-stemming may also be applied. Crushing is mostly avoided as well as we do not chill the must. Instead, we pick grapes very early and try to start wild fermentation at the natural temperature. The size of our QVEVRIs ranges from 1300 to 2500 liters. This allows us to conduct wild fermentation at the soil temperature without peaking it too high, thus retaining the true characters of the year. Naturally, fermentation stops when the wine is dry. From here, we taste all the QVEVRIs and fill each individual one from the selected ones, leaving them full for a long maceration of up to 2 to 3 months. Then, macerated wines are taken off their bottoms, which contain yeast lees, skins, seeds, and sometimes stems. Wines are left to breathe, i.e., in contact with air. Here, we may or may not conduct MLF. Then, we transfer wines back to Qvevri or other containers for further clarification and style formation. Once the style has been reached, they undergo preparations for bottling. Our Saperavi Qvevri ages for 6 to 8 months before its release.

Type:
Qvevri unfiltered dry Red wine

Place of origin:
Kakheti, Mukuzani viticulture area

Wine classification:
Regional wine

Grape variety:
Saperavi 100%

This wine, made in the traditional Georgian way in subterranean terracotta jars – QVEVRI, is dark-colored and lavishly intensive. It exhibits distinctive aromas of ripe cherry, mulberry, and blackberry. The rich and exuberant tannic structure is so well balanced that nature itself favored this vintage. Mouthfeel and balance are perfectly in harmony with the rest of the body, bearing a long-lasting and memorable sensation. Excellent with red meat and game. Mature cheeses are an elegant choice.

Best served at 14°C.