Georgia is a country found in Eastern Europe in the Caucasus region, the area between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, the region has a unique and ancient cultural heritage. The region has a moderate climate, and it is believed to be the original home of vinifera – the species of grape that includes classic European varieties like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Chardonnay. The Caucasus region is often referred to as the “birthplace of wine”, this is because archaeologists have discovered the oldest wine making facility in Armenia, grape residue in clay jars in Georgia and signs of grape domestication in eastern Turkey – all of which are dating back to the time between 8000-4100BC.
The Saperavi grape variety is indigenous to Georgia, specifically found in the Kakheti region and is the most widely planted red wine variety in Georgia.
Typically, the Georgian Saperavi grape is aged in traditional clay vessels (“qvevri”) that are buried underground to control the temperature of fermentation. This traditional method, of which archaeologists have found evidence of in Georgia, gives the wines a unique complexity and richness.
The Saperavi grape is a teinturier grape, as it is a dark-skinned and dark-fleshed grape (this is quite rare).
It yields wines of a deep, inky colour, high in acidity and tannins and due to its colouring, some Georgian wineries even label their Saperavi wines as black wines instead of red. Thanks to its high tannin content and acidity, this makes it a wine with good ageing potential, meaning that they can evolve and develop interesting flavours over several years.
Saperavi is a hardy, late-ripening grape variety that thrives in the cooler, moist climates of Eastern Europe, meaning it is a strong contender to survive regions with harsh winters. Although indigenous to Georgia, it is also grown in some other countries like Ukraine, Moldova, Australia and America – each with its unique take on the grape.
The typical flavour characteristics of a Saperavi wine include ripe black fruit (blackberries and plum) accompanied by hints of spice, chocolate and tobacco. Due to its robust flavours, it makes for a good match with rich, meaty dishes such as grilled steaks or roast lamb and works well paired with hard, aged cheeses.
