Tag Archives: georgia

Tbilvino Saperavi 2019, Kakheti, Georgian Republic

06 Sunday Mar 2022

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I’m cooking two roasts tonight- a Moroccan herbed leg of Lamb and a seasoned Coulotte with riced brocolli and a North African inspired vegetal medley on a bed of Barley and Arugula.  I need a bold, tannic wine for this and so I delved into the nether regions of Georgia for this Saperavi.

Opaque purple with some thin legs showing off the 13% ABV.  The nose has pronounced aromas of grape, smoky oak, vanilla, dark cherry and spice box.  Cloves and sweet blackcurrant round it out.  I am intrigued by the raw grape scent- it’s not often you come across this basic component.  The palate is exactly what I was hoping for.  Dry, medium (+) tannins with good acidity.  Plenty of primary fruit flavors and oak hints are evident on this medium (-) bodied wine that has a shortish finish.  The freshness of the grape flavor is very unique.  I like it.  The charred oak in this one is quite apparent.  Whilst not overly complex, it is a nicely balanced wine that will pair well with my multitude of flavors.  I would drink this wine by 2024 with hearty meat dishes.  88 points and 3 stars for this $13 effort.  Salut….

Chateau Mukhrani Saperavi Superieur 2017, Georgia

31 Monday Jan 2022

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I’m very new to this ancient varietal that has roots in the country of Georgia.  If you are bored you can read my original post on the varietal here: https://caspernick.com/2021/06/22/guardians-saperavi-2018-kakheti-georgian-republic/

This one is opaque ruby and a touch murky.  The nose has loads of black and blue fruit, some charred wood notes, spice box and a sweet smelling component, like jam.  The palate is dry with really nice tannins and bracing acidity.  Blackberry jam, black plum, blueberry compote, charcoal and spice wrap neatly around the structural components.  Very balanced wine that has loads of cellaring potential.  Medium to full bodied it finishes with medium length fruit and lots of astringency.  91 points for this $20 effort makes it a 5 star wine.  Drink with hearty meat dishes till 2025.  Ps. I love the fact that it runs 12.5% ABV!  Salut….

Guardians Rkatsiteli 2019, Kakheti, Georgia

15 Thursday Jul 2021

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A medium lemon-green in the glass with watery legs. The nose of this indigenous Georgian wine is very crisp and refreshing with lemon, lime, apricot and a floral component. On the palate it is dry and tart, with crisp flavors of citrus, sour green apple and elderflower. The acidity is medium but the palate is definitely tart. I get a medium finish that is very refreshing, perfect for a hot evening. I am pairing mine with grilled shrimp on a bed of salad. It will go well with a charcuterie board, tapas or just by itself poolside. Delicious and reasonable at $13 it gets 88 points from me making it a 4 star wine. Drink soon. Salut….

Guardians Saperavi 2018, Kakheti, Georgian Republic

22 Tuesday Jun 2021

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I have never tried this grape variety (Saperavi) and in my research found out that it is a red skinned grape that also has red juice. This is not typical as most red grapes have clear juice. This bottle hails from Georgia, the birthplace of wine so they tell me. It is paler than I thought it would be but a lovely shade of ruby in the glass. At 12.5% ABV I was not expecting much in the legs department either. The nose is bright and airy with cherry, raspberry, rhubarb and believe it or not- a touch of alcohol. The palate is off-dry, with just a hint of sweetness. I like it- goes with the light and fruity nose. It is very lithe yet has a nice acidic crunch. Cherry, cedar and sour strawberry all lead me to think this could be a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It’s unique and delightful. The tannins are very gentle and caressing, with a decent length finish. I am really enjoying this wine which I picked to pair with Pork Tenderloin. I think it’s delicacy will go well with the mild white meat. 88 points from me for this $13 find that gets 4 stars. Try it if you can find it, it’s gonna be a great summer sundowner. Salut….

Sunwine Tsinandali 2018, Georgia

13 Sunday Jun 2021

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I have a story about Georgian wine, I won’t bore you with the details but suffice to say it involved AK47’s, Playboy magazines, a gallon of Georgian wine, some local fruit and of course- a 4-engined jet. Those of you who know me will have to bring a bottle of really good stuff over, I will regale you with the juicy bits.

So- when I saw this white blend of 80% Rkatsiteli and 20% Mtsvane I had to give it a try, it was only $14. It is pale lemon colored and has a very unique nose of tropical fruits, like passion fruit and pineapple. Lemon zest and green apple complement the primary flavors. The palate is off-dry with medium acidity and low alcohol. Flavors of the tropics are very present- pineapple, passion fruit and kiwi. The citrus and apple notes fading whilst some floral tones appear. It’s a very interesting profile. The acidity is not cutting yet the wine is not flabby- just right in balance with great mouthfeel. It’s got an ever so slight hint of green almond on the back end that gives it a touch of bitterness but overall, a very tasty drop. I’m grilling chicken breast with wild rice, thinking the pairing will work very well. I’m excited about this new find and will look forward to the next two bottles of Georgian wine I have on the ‘bench’, a red and white. Until then, expand your own palates and explore the world’s regions. 88 points and 4 stars. Salut….