Saperavi

• Region: Ozhio, Akhmeta, Kakheti
• Color: Red
• Type: Dry
• Grape Variety: Saperavi
• Wine-making method: Kvevri
• Year: 2021

Many would argue that Saperavi is Georgia’s principal red grape variety and its best-known variety internationally. One of its most distinctive features is that Saperavi is a rare teinturier grape — a variety with both red skin and red flesh, which gives the wine its naturally deep colour, intensity, and remarkable structure.

With its distinctive acidity, firm character, and vibrant palate, Saperavi has become a benchmark for Georgian red wine. Its pronounced tannins, fullness, and natural firmness are among its key virtues, allowing the finest examples to age gracefully for many years.

This traditional dry red Kvevri wine comes from Ozhio village in Akhmeta. Deep cherry in colour, it offers aromas of ripe red fruits, black berries, and subtle sweet spices. On the palate, it is structured yet balanced, with soft tannins, good depth, and a long, elegant finish. This outstanding dry red Kvevri wine received a 95-point Gold Medal at Decanter 2023 and a Silver Medal at IWSC 2023.

Food pairing:
Saperavi is primarily a meat wine, pairing beautifully with grilled and roasted meats, lamb, beef, pork, and game. It is also excellent with Georgian dishes such as mtsvadi, kharcho, kupati, and lobio. For Asian cuisine, it works well with Korean BBQ, Peking duck, teriyaki beef, lamb skewers, and moderately spicy meat dishes. In European cuisine, it pairs naturally with steak, roast lamb, venison, sausages, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and hearty bean or lentil stews.