All You Need To Know About Saperavi Wine

By Author: Tatiana Zakaidze
Total Articles: 34
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Saperavi wine, also known as saperavi, is one of the most famous types of Georgian wine produced in Kakheti and other regions. Saperavi grapes are used for different Georgian wines, including white and red ones. Due to the variety of ways this grape can be used, there are many different types of saperavi wine you may encounter during your travels in Georgia or through online stores, so it’s important to learn what sets this type of wine apart from others.

The History of Saperavi

Saperavi wine is one of Georgia’s most ancient vintages. The grape was first planted in Georgia about 5,000 years ago and since then has been hybridized with many other varieties of grape in order to create bigger yields and better tasting wines. Today there are about 1,200 acres of grapes growing for saperavi wine in Georgia and although it accounts for only 2% of total Georgian production it is gaining popularity as a drinkable alternative to other red wines around the world.

How Is It Made?

Saperavi is a full-bodied, rich and flavourful red wine that hails from Georgia, in Asia. It is made by fermenting some of Georgia’s ...
... most famous grapes, including Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane and Rkaktuli. To make Saperavi wines, crushed grapes are put into large containers and allowed to ferment for several weeks or months. After fermentation occurs, these red wine grapes are placed in oak barrels for aging and further drying.

What Grapes Are Used?

There are two predominant grapes used in Georgian wines. The first is Rkatsiteli, which is a white grape and accounts for roughly 50% of wine production. This grape produces delicate wines, ideal for summer sipping and picnic-supping. The second is Saperavi, a red grape accounting for roughly 40% of wine production.

Different Types of Saperavi

Unlike other types of wine, there’s not just one type of saperavi on the market. In fact, there are actually several different types, ranging from those that are dry to those that are sweet. Before you choose a bottle for your next dinner party or get-together, keep in mind what kind of flavour you like best. We recommend that first-time consumers opt for wines labelled semi-sweet or semi-dry, as these have a smooth taste

Who Makes The Best Ones?

Kakhuri Khashtili is one of favourite Georgian wines, and it’s made in Kakheti, a region with a long history of winemaking. The brand name literally translates as scratcher, and many aficionados will tell you it tastes like a combination of raspberries and blackberries. It has a deep purple colour and goes well with spicy food. However, there are reputed importers like Tamada who offers authentic Georgian saperavi wine in Australia. Please visit their website for ordering online and other information.

Not all saperavi is created equal. In fact, there are several styles of saperavi, and each style will have different characteristics that appeal to different types of wine lovers. It’s important to choose the right one according to your taste and needs.