If you are like me, I set my wine intentions every year to keep exploring new wine regions. Winter is the perfect time to start this endeavor. Since we spend more time indoors, winter is ideal for experimenting with a wine region, savoring new grapes and winemaking styles.
I used to explore the big, bold, and classic reds the past winters. But this year, I was looking for something in the medium-body category, such as Tempranillo. Therefore, when I was offered to try Wines of Georgia, I came across Saperavi, an acidic grape native to Georgia, and I found myself enjoying its qualities.
Saperavi is an alternative to Traditional Big Bold Reds during Winter (and beyond)
Saperavi is ancient grape and thoroughly Georgian. It’s high in everything: deep color, bold flavor, crisp acidity, and firm tannins. The grape Saperavi is complex and comforting, much like a high-quality Rhône Valley red or a Spanish Tempranillo from Rioja or Ribera de Duero. It also has good aging potential, and many can improve for up to 15 years and longer. Saperavi is good by itself but also very good in blends, which can bring many attributes to the finished wine.
Saperavi pairs perfectly with these essential cozy season food pairings:
- Meat: stews galore, roasted/grilled meats
- Chicken: tomato-heavy dishes
- Fish: oily and meaty options cooked in high heat like tuna, salmon, swordfish, etc.
- Vegetables: think of protein with a meaty’ texture, like tofu, beans, seitan, etc., grilled or charred for some roasted notes.
Little did I know that Wine in Georgia is as closely linked to the dining table as it is in Italy and France. For instance, no supra, the local term for a Georgian feast, is complete without a glass of Saperavi at the table.
Wine of Georgia in the USA
Georgian wine exports to the U.S. have increased by 7.18% from 2021 to 2022, according to Wines of Georgia, the organization that represents and promotes the wines and wineries of the country of Georgia, and the National Wine Agency of Georgia, the legal entity of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia that finances the U.S. program
Two examples of Wines of Georgia available in the USA are Saperavi are MUKADO 2020 Saperavi – Khikhvi; Unfiltered Dry Red and Mukuzani 2018 as portrayed below.
For more information, visit the Wines of Georgia website and follow on social media on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Learn more about other Wine Regions
Saperavi is an alternative to Traditional Big Bold Reds
