Vazisubani Estate Saperavi 2018

Vineyards:

Vineyards were planted in 2016 on 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 rich in varietal aromas, softer and easier 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 among Georgian reds and probably among the best in the world.

Soils: Sandy stony clay at 450 to 550 meters above sea level with carbonate bedrock.

Yield: Max 6-7 tons/ha, equivalent to 45 to 50 hectoliters/ha.

Harvest: The harvest day is decided when the grapes fully respond to the final wine style requirements. We pick our grapes only manually to ensure the highest quality. Sometimes we co-ferment both Saperavis to incorporate the specific characteristics of each year for the best final style. However, in most cases, we vinify Saperavi Budeshuri alone for its softness in Qvevri style.

Vinification: Depending on the year, grapes may be de-stemmed or not. Partial de-stemming may also be applied. Crushing is mostly avoided, and we do not chill the must. Instead, we harvest grapes very early and try to start wild fermentation at the natural temperature. Our Qvevris range from 1300 to 2500 liters. This allows us to conduct wild fermentation at soil temperature without overheating, preserving the true character of the year. Naturally, fermentation stops when the wine is dry. From here, we taste all the Qvevris and fill each one from the selected batches, leaving them full for long maceration of up to 2 to 3 months. Then, the macerated wines are separated from their lees, skins, seeds, and sometimes stems. The wines are left to breathe, i.e., in contact with air. We may or may not conduct malolactic fermentation. Then, we transfer the wines back to Qvevri or other containers for further clarification and style development. Once the desired style is achieved, they are prepared for bottling. Our Saperavi Qvevri ages for 6 to 8 months before release.